fool's gold

noun

1. iron or copper pyrites, sometimes mistaken for gold.

fool's gold

noun

1. any of various yellow minerals, esp pyrite or chalcopyrite, that can be mistaken for gold

fool's gold

/ fo̅o̅lz /

1. Any of several minerals, especially pyrite and chalcopyrite, sometimes mistaken for gold.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fool's gold¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Turn to "Fools Gold," on Page 42, and deliver it in an unvaried tempo: note how monotonous is the result.

From Project Gutenberg

Maybe I try to take advantage of you and show you what dey call fools gold–what mineralogists call pyrites of iron?

From Project Gutenberg

With the fear it was but fools gold they took specimens and marked the place where they were found.

From Project Gutenberg