nurturing

[ nur-cher-ing ]

adjective

1. providing food, protection, comfort, or support:

   Creating safe, nurturing places where all children can grow and develop their unique gifts is a responsibility of all adult members of a society.

noun

1. the act of providing food, protection, support, or encouragement:

   There's no substitute for what nurturing can do for a child.

2. the act or process of educating or training:

   We hope to build an ecosystem in this county that encourages incubation, innovation, and nurturing of entrepreneurs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nurturing¹

First recorded in 1425–75; nurtur(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective sense; nurtur(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

Just because you’re cute and silly and nurturing and self-deprecating, doesn’t mean you can’t also be a formidable talent or a strong competitor.

From Time

By connecting with millennials and Gen Z through audio, brands can form long-lasting relationships that with nurturing will result in a higher customer lifetime value for years to come.

From Digiday

Better still, you can start by creating automated nurture campaigns via emails or send your leads a survey to inquire about their current needs and how you can serve them better.

From Search Engine Watch

Proponents say pods offer a more direct and effective relationship for teachers and students, and potentially a safer and more nurturing learning environment.

From Voice of San Diego

In micro terms, think of the tree that needs immune system relief from all manner of pollution, which the mushroom can provide, in return for habitat and nurturing.

From Nautilus

On the opposite end of the spectrum are two other standout works, which depict Mary as a loving, nurturing mother.

From The Daily Beast

But my silence was not only wrong; I am complicit on some level in nurturing the “rape culture” that we see today in our country.

From The Daily Beast

Robin Williams, as I knew him, was warm, gentle, expressive, nurturing, and brilliant.

From The Daily Beast

UNICEF also tries to make sure that all children go to school in places that are safe and nurturing.

From The Daily Beast

But among pedophiles, this trend is skewed, with sexual, as opposed to nurturing, emotions burgeoning.

From The Daily Beast

The effect of tidal movement in nurturing marine life is very great.

From Project Gutenberg

So Bella was fain to turn outward in search of nurturing matter whereon to feed her humanness.

From Project Gutenberg

The girl playing with her dolls is the incipient mother loving and nurturing her children.

From Project Gutenberg

It is said that a vision appeared to his nurse and foretold her that she was nurturing a great blessing for all Romans.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1867 Mr. Gye may have been nurturing I know not what deadly scheme against my theatre.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sustenance