wholesome

American  

[hohl-suhm] / ˈhoʊl səm /

adjective

1. conducive to moral or general well-being; salutary; beneficial.

   wholesome recreation;

   wholesome environment.

   Synonyms:

   good, helpful

2. conducive to bodily health; healthful; salubrious.

   wholesome food;

   wholesome air;

   wholesome exercise.

   Synonyms:

   nutritious, nourishing

3. suggestive of physical or moral health, especially in appearance.

4. healthy or sound.

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wholesome British  

/ ˈhəʊlsəm /

adjective

1. conducive to health or physical wellbeing

2. conducive to moral wellbeing

3. characteristic or suggestive of health or wellbeing, esp in appearance

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Related Words

See healthy.

Other Word Forms

• wholesomely adverb
• wholesomeness noun

Etymology

Origin of wholesome

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English ho(o)lsom; equivalent to whole + -some ¹; cognate with Old High German heilsam, Old Norse heilsamr

Example Sentences

The baking connoisseur, known among fans and competitors for her affinity for boozy sweets and vibrant fashion and accessory choices, announced her departure from the wholesome series on Wednesday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

But there’s no debating this granola’s sturdy, wholesome deliciousness.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was so cute, so wholesome — a perfect way to end it.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, pivoting from wholesome Nickelodeon star to a grown R&B artist didn’t happen overnight.

From Los Angeles Times

Ashlyn adds: "I don't think it would be as entertaining if The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was actually just them bringing cookies to their neighbours and just living very wholesome family lives."

From BBC

Related Words

• healthful
• hygienic
• pure