golden gate bridge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, informal
Quick answer
What does “golden gate bridge” mean?
A famous suspension bridge in San Francisco, California, USA.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A famous suspension bridge in San Francisco, California, USA.
A widely recognized symbol of San Francisco and of American engineering; often used metaphorically to represent a significant achievement, a dramatic span, or an iconic landmark.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The structure is a U.S. landmark, so it is referenced more frequently in American English contexts.
Connotations
In American English, it is a strong symbol of national identity and innovation. In British English, it is recognized as a major global landmark and tourist destination.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to geographical and cultural relevance.
Grammar
How to Use “golden gate bridge” in a Sentence
[verb] + the Golden Gate Bridgethe Golden Gate Bridge + [linking verb] + [adjective]the Golden Gate Bridge + [auxiliary verb] + [past participle verb]the Golden Gate Bridge of + [abstract noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golden gate bridge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The project will golden-gate-bridge the divide between the two communities. (extremely rare, metaphorical/neologistic)
American English
- They aim to Golden-Gate-Bridge their way into the industry. (extremely rare, metaphorical/neologistic)
adjective
British English
- It was a Golden Gate Bridge moment for British engineering. (metaphorical)
- The view had a Golden Gate Bridge quality to it.
American English
- They celebrated the Golden Gate Bridge anniversary.
- He has a Golden Gate Bridge poster in his office.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing to represent a major, successful project or a gateway to new markets. 'The new partnership is our Golden Gate Bridge to the Asian market.'
Academic
Discussed in engineering, architecture, and history papers as a case study in design, construction, and social impact.
Everyday
Used in travel conversations, general knowledge, and as a reference point. 'Our holiday to San Francisco wasn't complete until we saw the Golden Gate Bridge.'
Technical
Used in civil engineering to refer to specific suspension bridge design elements, materials (e.g., 'International Orange' paint), or seismic retrofitting techniques applied to it.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golden gate bridge”
- Misspelling as 'Golden Gate Brigde'.
- Using lower case ('golden gate bridge') in formal writing.
- Referring to any large red bridge as 'a Golden Gate Bridge' (it is unique).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is named after the Golden Gate, the strait it spans, which was named by John C. Frémont in 1846. The name 'Golden Gate' refers to the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.
It is painted 'International Orange', a colour chosen for its visibility in fog and its aesthetic complement to the natural surroundings.
Yes, as it is the official proper name of a specific structure, all main words are typically capitalised in formal writing.
Not literally. It refers uniquely to the San Francisco bridge. However, it can be used metaphorically to describe other things that are iconic, connecting, or monumental in scale.
A famous suspension bridge in San Francisco, California, USA.
Golden gate bridge is usually formal, informal in register.
Golden gate bridge: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡəʊl.dən ˌɡeɪt ˈbrɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡoʊl.dən ˌɡeɪt ˈbrɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[figurative] a Golden Gate Bridge to peace/reconciliation”
- “to build a Golden Gate Bridge (to achieve something monumental)”
- “It's not exactly the Golden Gate Bridge (used to downplay an achievement).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant GATE made of shining GOLD, BRIDGING the entrance to a bay. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDGE IS A CONNECTION/ACHIEVEMENT. The Golden Gate Bridge specifically represents: an iconic landmark is a symbol; a great achievement is a monumental structure.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a metaphorical use of 'Golden Gate Bridge'?