gilding

[ gil-ding ]

noun

1. the application of gilt. gild. gilt.
2. the gold leaf or other material with which something is gilded. gild. gilded.
3. the golden surface produced by the application of gilt. gild. gilt.
4. something used to create a deceptively pleasing, impressive, or alluring aspect or character.

gilding

/ ˈɡɪldɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or art of applying gilt to a surface
2. the surface so produced
3. another word for gilt 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of gilding¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; gild ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Furthermore, though Mr. Reed presents himself as an intellectually superior theologian, gilding his carefully-choreographed arguments with props and theatrical flourishes, the script itself doesn’t hold him in the same regard.

From Los Angeles Times

But there are also harsh realities that the story must face, and gilding Lily’s experience by softening the trauma doesn’t serve the harsh truths that Hoover unearthed in her book, which clearly connected with a large female readership craving stories like this.

From Los Angeles Times

“Betsabee Romero has radically feminized the classic boy toy, gilding the chrome on a 1955 Ford, painting its canvas-covered exterior in a lush floral pattern worthy of an offering to the Virgin of Guadalupe and filling its interior with layers of dried roses,” Knight wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Wright lost 10-5 to Andrew Gilding, while Chisnall was thrashed 10-2 by Poland's Krzysztof Ratajski.

From BBC

But its potency also shows itself in the legend that the likes of Watters and other right-wing performers are feverishly gilding.

From Salon

Related Words

• adornment
• coloring
• embroidery
• ornamentation