adjective
Synonym Usage
See healthy.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of healthful
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English helthful; see health, -ful
Explanation
Things that are healthful are good for your body, mind, or overall well-being. Your dinner of barbecued potato chips, ice cream, and slices of cheddar cheese might be delicious, but it's not very healthful. Something that has a favorable effect on your health can be described with the adjective healthful. Well-balanced meals full of whole grains and vegetables are healthful. A good night's sleep and a long walk in the fresh air are both healthful, because they promote your good health. When you are full of health, however, don't use healthful to describe yourself — instead, use the closely related word healthy.
Vocabulary lists containing healthful
Power Suffix: -ful
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Commonly Confused Words, List 3
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Commonly Confused Words, List 6
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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.
Hyman, who recently lost more than 100 pounds, said that as mayor, she would promote healthful living and lead monthly public hikes.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
But they want us to work on improving the system to make it more healthful and sustainable and fairer to workers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
One of the best green juices in the city is made by a retired engineer committed to providing healthful options to her neighborhood.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2025
In fact, neuroimaging studies show the brains of children who eat more processed snack foods are smaller in volume, particularly in the frontal cortices, than those of children who eat a more healthful diet.
From Salon • May 28, 2024
I took a deep breath, knowing what Mother would advise me to say: fine strong kids, a husband to take care of, shiny new appliances to cook tasty yet healthful meals in.
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
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.
