Guilder: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'guilder' comes from the Dutch term 'gulden', which means 'golden', referring to the gold coins used centuries ago.
• The term can be traced back to the 14th century when it initially described gold coins minted in the Netherlands.
• In many cases, the guilder was used to signify a currency based on the quality of gold in the coin.

History

• The guilder was the official currency of the Netherlands until it was replaced by the euro in 2002.
• During its peak, the guilder was used not only in the Netherlands but also in several other colonized areas and trade routes.
• The Dutch East India Company, which played a significant role in global trade in the 17th century, facilitated transactions using guilders.

Art and Culture

• In paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, guilders are often depicted as symbols of wealth and prosperity in bustling marketplaces.
• Artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer lived during a time when guilders represented significant monetary power in the flourishing art culture of the Netherlands.

Modern Usage

• While the guilder is no longer in use, it remains a historical reference in discussions about European currencies and economic history.
• Many tourists visiting the Netherlands can still find 'guilder' coin replicas, often as keepsakes from a vibrant monetary past.

This word's position of #32,405 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 32402 wittingly
• 32403 considerately
• 32404 polytheistic
• 32405 guilder
• 32406 wizardry
• 32407 privet
• 32408 shooed
• ...