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In Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries, a person who made a living by doing odd jobs was called a cawdy or caddie. The word comes from the French word cadet, which came into English in the 17th century. The chief meaning of cadet in both French and English is “a student military officer.” The caddies formed organized groups, and it may be that the military structure of the group suggested the name. Some caddies lived near universities and took jobs working for students. Other caddies found jobs carrying golf clubs. As the popularity of the game grew, so did use of the term caddie for one who carries a golfer's clubs.
Examples of caddie in a Sentence
Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, has been with the PGA Tour star since 2017.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025
The shot was so impressive that the not-easily impressed Northern Irishman earnestly laughed in amazement with his caddie.
—Brody Miller, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
Currently, a record 1,130 caddies are enrolled at 24 universities nationwide – including 40 at the University of Minnesota – as Evans Scholars.
—Todd Abeln, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Caddie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caddie. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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caddie
nounfrom Scottish caddie, cawdy "one who works at odd jobs," from French cadet "one training for military service," derived from Latin caput "head" — related to cad, cadet, captain
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