1. regions or areas where gold is found and mined, especially historically significant mining districts
Usage: usually plural; often refers to famous historical mining regions

Examples

• The California goldfields attracted thousands of prospectors during the 1849 Gold Rush.
• Many towns in the Australian goldfields were established during the 19th century.
• Miners traveled to the Klondike goldfields hoping to strike it rich.
• The South African goldfields became one of the world's most productive mining regions.
• Historic goldfields in Colorado still draw tourists interested in mining heritage.