gilding Definition
- 1the process of covering a surface with a thin layer of gold or something that looks like gold
- 2the decoration on a building, piece of furniture, or object created by gilding
Using gilding: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gilding" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The gilding on the frame of the painting had worn away over time.
Example
The church's altar was adorned with intricate gilding.
Example
The artist used gilding to highlight certain parts of the sculpture.
gilding Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for gilding
- overlay
- embellishment
- gold plating
Phrases with gilding
Example
The cake was already delicious, but she couldn't resist gilding the lily by adding extra frosting and sprinkles.
gilt-edged
of the highest quality or value
Example
The book had a gilt-edged cover and was worth a lot of money.
Example
She felt like she was living in a gilded cage, with all the material comforts but no freedom to pursue her dreams.
Summary: gilding in Brief
Gilding [ˈɡɪldɪŋ] refers to the process of covering a surface with a thin layer of gold or something that looks like gold. It is often used as a decorative element on buildings, furniture, and objects. The phrase 'gild the lily' means to add unnecessary decoration to something that is already beautiful, while 'gilt-edged' refers to something of the highest quality or value. 'Gilded cage' is a metaphor for a luxurious but confining environment.