gilded

[ gil-did ]

adjective

1. covered or highlighted with gold or something of a golden color.
2. having a pleasing or showy appearance that conceals something of little worth.

Other Words From

• non·gilded adjective
• un·gilded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gilded¹

before 1000; gild ¹ + -ed ²; replacing Middle English gild, Old English gegyld

Example Sentences

As long as the press remains shackled by the gilded chains of billionaire overlords, freedom lies in chains as well, leaving us in a world of corporate domination.

From Salon

The presidency, he said, is “a little bit like being in a gilded jail cell.”

From Los Angeles Times

With “Maria,” he’s got the gilded cage, but little of the bird’s desperation.

From Los Angeles Times

A lot of people believe that this current antidemocratic moment began when Donald Trump descended the gilded escalator at Trump Tower.

From Salon

In this way, through sustained and effortful looking, we are finally rewarded with intimate visions of metallic door plates and keys, adorned with colorful ribbons and arrayed against a backdrop of gilded emergency blankets.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• luxurious
• ornate