miniature golf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2informal
Quick answer
What does “miniature golf” mean?
A recreational sport where players putt a golf ball through a series of small, themed obstacles on a short, artificial course.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A recreational sport where players putt a golf ball through a series of small, themed obstacles on a short, artificial course.
A game modelled on golf but played on a compact course featuring whimsical structures, tunnels, bridges, and other decorative hazards; often used for entertainment, family outings, or light competition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'miniature golf' is common in both dialects, but 'crazy golf' is a widely used alternative in the UK and some Commonwealth countries.
Connotations
In the US, 'miniature golf' has strong connotations of family entertainment, birthday parties, and casual dating. In the UK, 'crazy golf' can carry a slightly more whimsical or ironic connotation.
Frequency
'Miniature golf' is the standard term in American English. In British English, both 'miniature golf' and 'crazy golf' are understood, with 'crazy golf' being more frequent in casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “miniature golf” in a Sentence
play [OBJ: miniature golf]go [V: golfing] [MOD: miniature]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “miniature golf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're planning to go crazy golfing on the seafront.
American English
- We miniature golfed every summer at the beach arcade.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard]
American English
- [Not standard]
adjective
British English
- The crazy-golf course had a pirate theme.
American English
- The miniature-golf industry has seen a resurgence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the leisure/entertainment industry sector (e.g., 'They invested in a miniature golf franchise.').
Academic
Rare; might appear in studies on leisure, tourism, or urban planning.
Everyday
Common in social planning (e.g., 'Let's play miniature golf this weekend.') and descriptions of past activities.
Technical
Used in landscape architecture or entertainment venue design to specify a course type.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “miniature golf”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “miniature golf”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “miniature golf”
- Using 'mini-golf' as a verb (e.g., 'We mini-golfed') is highly informal and non-standard. The standard verb phrase is 'play miniature golf'. Confusing it with the full sport ('golf') in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Miniature golf is a putting-only game on a small, artificial course with obstacles. Standard golf is played on a large, natural course (over 100 acres) involving driving, fairway shots, and putting.
There is little practical difference. 'Putt-putt' is often a specific trademarked brand or style of miniature golf that may have standardized, less decorative holes. In casual use, the terms are interchangeable, especially in the US.
Informally, especially in American English, you might hear 'to miniature golf'. However, the standard and more common construction is 'to play miniature golf'.
It is primarily a recreational pastime. However, there are organized competitive tournaments and professional associations, which supports its classification as a precision sport at that level.
A recreational sport where players putt a golf ball through a series of small, themed obstacles on a short, artificial course.
Miniature golf is usually informal in register.
Miniature golf: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪn.ɪ.tʃə ɡɒlf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪn.i.ə.tʃɚ ɡɑːlf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MINI version of a GOLF course, with tiny castles and windmills.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAME; the playful, simplified obstacles of miniature golf metaphorically represent life's smaller, manageable challenges.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most commonly used as a synonym for 'miniature golf' in British English?