winsome
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of winsome
First recorded before 900; Middle English winsom, Old English wynsum, equivalent to wyn(n) “joy” ( see wish) + -sum -some 1
Explanation
If you are described as winsome, take it as a compliment. It means you are attractive or charming in an open and delightful way. It doesn't mean you win some and you lose some. The word winsome comes from the Old English wynn which means pleasure and delight. The word sometimes carries with it a feeling of childlike joy or innocence that is attractive or pleasing to others. There is nothing hiding behind a winsome smile. It wins over others in a fresh and honest way.
Vocabulary lists containing winsome
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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100 SAT words Beginning with W,X,Y, and Z
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Beowulf vocabulary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, wasn’t a disciplined campaigner, but anyone would have drowned in Tuesday’s wave.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025
In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger also won by a hefty margin, taking 57% of the vote, besting Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, according to the AP.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 5, 2025
The former congresswoman and CIA officer defeated the state's Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025
“I’ve always had concerns about this race, but not because of Winsome, just because of the overall environment,” said the Republican strategist.
From Salon • Jul. 23, 2025
With the sweet ambition in her heart to make life happier for every one she touches, she has grown up into a veritable Princess Winsome.
From The Story of the Red Cross as told to The Little Colonel by Goss, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
