Divet vs. Divot: The Correct Spellings

There are no alternative forms of the word "divot" that change its essential meaning, although the word can be pluralized to "divots."

The correct spelling of the word is "divot," while "divet" is incorrect. The word "divot" has its origins in Old English, related to the word "dyfot," meaning "a dig." It's particularly known in the context of golf but has broader applications as well. In contrast, "divet" is simply a misspelling and holds no historical or linguistic validity.

Remembering the spelling of "divot" can be facilitated by considering the 'i' and 'o' as the two holes in the ground that the divot might create. The 'i' is smaller and comes first, like a smaller hole, followed by the 'o', representing a larger hole. This trick can help you remember that the correct spelling is "divot," not "divet."

Incorrect: He left a big divet in the lawn after swinging the golf club.

Correct: He left a big divot in the lawn after swinging the golf club.

Incorrect: The soccer player tripped over a divet on the field.

Correct: The soccer player tripped over a divot on the field.

Incorrect: You should always replace the divet after taking a shot.

Correct: You should always replace the divot after taking a shot.

Incorrect: I noticed a divet in the carpet where the furniture had been.

Correct: I noticed a divot in the carpet where the furniture had been.

Divot refers to a chunk of grass and soil torn away, often in the context of golf.

Divot can refer to any small indentation or hole in a surface.

Divot can metaphorically refer to a noticeable lack or gap in something.

Divot can signify a depression or hollow in a physical object.

Divot can describe a defect or flaw in a material, making it less smooth.

A piece of turf torn up by a golf club in striking a ball, or by a horse's hoof.

(Scots) A thin square of turf or sod used for roofing.

A torn-up piece of turf, especially by a golf club in making a stroke or by a horse's hoof.

A disruption in an otherwise smooth contour.

a drop in a graph between two linear portions ([https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/0004-6256/151/2/31 example])

The space between two pillows.

To tear up pieces of turf from, especially with a golf club in making a stroke.

A thin, oblong turf used for covering cottages, and also for fuel.

a small piece of turf gouged out of the ground by the head of a golf club when making a stroke; as, all divots should be replaced.

(golf) the cavity left when a piece of turf is cut from the ground by the club head in making a stroke;

a piece of turf dug out of a lawn or fairway (by an animals hooves or a golf club)

He carefully replaced the divot back into the hole.

The golfer took a deep divot with his iron shot.

The divot tool is an essential part of a golfer's kit.

She accidentally created a divot in the putting green.

A large divot was left where the meteorite had struck.

The divot in the garden was filled with water after the rain.

Walking across the divot-filled lawn was challenging.

The divot on the green affected her putt.

The divot collection after the tournament was substantial.

He tripped over a divot while chasing the ball.

The divot from the golf club shot flew several feet.

She demonstrated how to properly replace a divot on the tee box.

The divot made by the horse's hoof was quickly filled in.

A neatly replaced divot can be almost invisible in a few days.

To cause a noticeable impact or impression.

A small problem or setback.

A situation where damage or a problem is causing concern.

A small, almost negligible difference.

A minor setback in an otherwise smooth process.

Encouragement to repair all damage, leaving the area as you found it.

To be heavily involved in or deeply engrossed in a problem.

Looking past immediate problems to see the bigger picture.

Moving forward without causing problems or leaving negative impacts.

A small moment or event that has a lasting impact.

A call to repair or rectify a mistake.

Suggesting that every mark or imperfection has a history behind it.

Gradually fixing problems or making progress, bit by bit.

Feeling down or depressed because of setbacks.

A small but significant uncertainty.

Yes, "divot" is primarily used as a noun to describe a piece of turf or soil that has been removed from the ground.

In American English, "divet" is considered incorrect and should not be used.

The correct spelling is "divot," and the spelling "divet" is incorrect in American English.

While the term "divot" is often heard in modern contexts, especially golf, its origins go back to Old English.

The word "divot" originates from Old English, related to the term "dyfot," meaning "a dig."

While most commonly associated with golf, the term "divot" has broader applications and can refer to any small hole or indentation in a surface.

There are no alternative forms that change the essential meaning, although the word can be pluralized to "divots."

Remember the spelling by thinking of 'i' and 'o' as two holes that a divot might create. The 'i' comes first, like a smaller hole, followed by the 'o,' representing a larger hole.

Yes, "divot" can be used metaphorically to refer to a noticeable gap or lack in something.

Yes, the term "divot" is universally understood in English-speaking countries, particularly in the context of golf, but also for describing any small indentation or hole.