links

plural noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

1

Scotland : sand hills especially along the seashore

2

: golf course

specifically : a golf course on linksland

Did you know?

The game of golf originated on the sandy hills of Scotland on a type of terrain known as links or linksland. Eventually, the game's layout came to be called by the same name as the land, and links developed the meaning of "a golf course built on the coastline," which eventually broadened to include any golf course. Links is ultimately derived from the Old English word hlincas, the plural of hlinc, meaning "ridge," and teed off in 15th-century Scottish English as a name for sandy, hilly terrain. Britain has a number of old-fashioned links courses (built to resemble the Scottish landscape and located on the coastline), and there are a few in the United States as well.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hlincas, plural of hlinc ridge; akin to Old English hlanc lank

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

links

plural noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

: a golf course