double eagle
Definition
- Noun:
- A former gold coin in the United States worth 20 dollars: A "double eagle" was a specific denomination of U.S. currency, a gold coin minted primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- (Golf) a score of three strokes under par on a hole: In golf, a "double eagle" is an exceptionally rare and excellent score on a single hole, indicating the ball was holed in three strokes fewer than the hole's standard par rating.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Currency):
- The collector paid a fortune for a rare 1933 double eagle.
- Double eagles were first minted in 1849, following the California Gold Rush.
- Noun (Golf):
- Scoring a double eagle on a par-5 hole is a remarkable achievement.
- Her double eagle on the 15th hole helped her win the tournament.
Advanced Usage
- The term "double eagle" in a historical or numismatic (coin-collecting) context specifically refers to the U.S. coin. It is not a general term for any 20-dollar value.
- In golf, a "double eagle" is synonymous with an "albatross", especially in British English. It is one stroke better than an "eagle" (two under par) and two strokes better than a "birdie" (one under par).
Variants and Related Words
- Eagle (n): In golf, a score of two strokes under par on a hole.
- Albatross (n): Another term for a double eagle in golf, more common outside North America.
Synonyms
- For the coin: Twenty-dollar gold piece.
- For the golf score: Albatross.
Related Idioms/Phrases
- While there are no common idioms using "double eagle," the golf term is often part of sports commentary phrases like or
Noun
-
a former gold coin in the United States worth 20 dollars
-
(golf) a score of three strokes under par on a hole
