divot
DIV-uht
/ˈdɪvət/
A piece of turf sliced out of the ground by a golf club during a stroke.
Also refers to the scar left in the turf. Proper etiquette requires players to replace or repair their divots.
The story behind the word. In medieval Scotland, a 'divot' was a flat, rectangular piece of sod or turf sliced from the earth and dried to serve as roofing material for humble cottages. When golf became popular, players noticed that their clubs sliced similar pieces of turf from the ground, and they adopted the cottage-roofing term for these grassy chunks.
Word relationships
- turf: Turf is the general grassy surface, while a divot is a specific piece sliced out of that surface.
Commonly confused with
- pitch mark: A pitch mark is a depression made by a ball landing on the green, while a divot is a piece of turf cut out by a club.
Word family
- divots (noun): Plural form of divot.
Collocations
- replace a divot
- repair a divot
- take a divot
- divot tool
Example sentences
- "He took a massive divot with his wedge, sending a chunk of turf flying into the air." Describing a powerful swing.
- "Please remember to replace your divots or fill them with the sand-and-seed mixture provided." An instruction on golf etiquette.
Memory hook
Imagine a golfer 'dividing' the turf with their club to make a 'divot'. Divide the turf to make a divot.
When not to use
Do not use to describe general dirt or mud; it must be a cohesive slice of grass and soil.
Fun facts
- At prestigious golf courses, specialized 'divot crews' walk the fairways at night to repair the turf damaged by players during the day.
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