mini-golf
UK[ˈmɪni ɡɒlf]US[ˈmɪni ɡɑːlf]
n
A game in which players use a putter to hit a golf ball through a series of short, often whimsical, obstacles on a small course.
Morpheme Breakdown
mini
golf
mini
small
golf
golf
Etymology
The word "mini-golf" is a modern compound formed in the 20th century. The prefix "mini-," derived from the Latin root for "small," was productively attached to various nouns in English to indicate a miniature or recreational version. It was combined with "golf," a word of uncertain but likely Dutch origin for a game played with clubs. The compound logically and literally describes a scaled-down, obstacle-focused variant of the traditional sport of golf, designed for casual play in a confined space.
Analysis
Structure: mini (small) + golf (golf)
mini: From Latin minimus (smallest, least), via English miniature and mini- (a combining form meaning "smaller or shorter than the standard"). It functions as a prefix denoting a miniature or scaled-down version.
golf: Of Scots origin, possibly from Dutch colf or kolf meaning "club, bat," referring to the game played with clubs. It functions as the base noun specifying the type of game.
Examples
We played a round of mini-golf at the family entertainment center.
The course featured a windmill, a loop-the-loop, and other classic mini-golf obstacles.
Mini-golf is a popular summer activity that people of all ages can enjoy.