Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
gilded-age
noun
/ˈɡɪldɪd eɪdʒ/
Definition
A period of American history from the 1870s to about 1900 characterized by rapid economic growth, especially in the North and West.
Examples
- The Gilded Age was marked by the rise of industrial giants and the expansion of the railroads.
- Many authors, including Mark Twain, critiqued the excesses of the Gilded Age in their works.
- This era saw the emergence of significant labor movements in response to harsh working conditions.
Meaning
The Gilded Age describes a time of great wealth accumulation for some and significant social issues for others, where the shiny exterior of prosperity often masked underlying societal problems.
Synonyms
- Prosperous Era
- Age of Excess
- Industrial Age
