nine-hole
UK[ˈnaɪn həʊl]US[ˈnaɪn hoʊl]
n
A golf course consisting of nine holes.
n
A round of golf played on such a course.
Morpheme Breakdown
nine
hole
nine
number
hole
cavity
Etymology
The compound "nine-hole" is a modern English formation specific to the sport of golf. The word "nine" originates from the Proto-Germanic newun, a stable numeral that has persisted across Germanic languages. "Hole" derives from the Old English hol, referring to a hollow or cavity, which in golf terminology specifically denotes the target cup on a putting green. The combination logically describes a golf course comprising nine such distinct playing units, a standard short-course format, with the literal numerical and physical components transparently building the specialized term.
Analysis
Structure: nine (number) + hole (cavity)
- nine: From Old English nigon, of Proto-Germanic origin; related to Dutch negen and German neun. Functions as a cardinal number.
- hole: From Old English hol (noun), holian (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hol and German Hohl. Functions as a noun meaning a hollow place or cavity.
Examples
The local park has a small nine-hole where beginners can practice.
We don't have time for a full round; let's just play a quick nine-hole.
The championship was held on a challenging nine-hole layout.