fool's gold

noun

: pyrite
broadly : any of various pyritic minerals resembling gold

Examples of fool's gold in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The heavy density of pyrite also means the fool's gold material thoroughly filled in tiny areas where the arthropod's body once lay in sediment − including internal body parts, scientists said. — Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024 But some things that seem shiny are really just fool's gold. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fool's gold was in 1828

Rhymes for fool's gold

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“Fool's gold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fool%27s%20gold. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

fool's gold

noun
: pyrite

More from Merriam-Webster on fool's gold

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fool's gold

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