1. covered with a thin layer of gold or gold-colored material
2. wealthy and privileged but often superficial or corrupt
Usage: often used in historical contexts

Examples

• The gilded frame made the painting look more expensive.
• She admired the gilded edges of the antique book.
• The palace had gilded ceilings throughout.
• He wrote about the gilded age of American society.
• The gilded elite lived in luxury while others struggled.
• The mirror had an ornate gilded border.
• Critics called it a gilded lifestyle built on corruption.