holistic

American  

[hoh-lis-tik] / hoʊˈlɪs tɪk /

Sometimes wholistic

adjective

1. incorporating the concept of holism, or the idea that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts, in theory or practice.

   holistic psychology.

2. Medicine/Medical. of or relating to a form of medicine, such as chiropractic or naturopathy, concerned with the care of the entire person in all aspects of well-being, including the physical, psychological, and social, rather than with diseases and symptoms in isolation, and often using natural or traditional remedies: Her holistic practitioner prescribed dietary changes and some relaxation exercises to reduce the frequency of her migraines.

   Someholistic medicine draws on traditional herbal preparations to maintain the health of different organs of the body.

   Her holistic practitioner prescribed dietary changes and some relaxation exercises to reduce the frequency of her migraines.

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holistic British  

/ həʊˈlɪstɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to a doctrine of holism

2. of or relating to the the medical consideration of the complete person, physically and psychologically, in the treatment of a disease

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Usage

What does holistic mean? Holistic is an adjective that describes things related to the idea that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. In other words, that the entirety of something must be considered instead of just considering its parts. This philosophy is called holism, and that’s where the word holistic comes from. Holistic can be used generally to describe approaches that incorporate elements of holism, but it is especially used in the contexts of psychology and alternative medicine. Example: Chiropractors often take a holistic approach to treating injuries by considering the entire body instead of just the affected area.

Other Word Forms

• holistically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of holistic

First recorded in 1926; hol(ism) + -istic

Explanation

Holistic means encompassing the whole of a thing, and not just the part. Holistic medicine looks at the whole person for answers, not just at physical symptoms. You might have heard of holistic medicine, which tries to treat someone as mind and body, instead of treating only the part of the patient that is most sick. People often talk about holism in relation to healing, whether of bodies or other things. A holistic approach to solving a labor dispute would take into consideration the needs of both the workers and the factory owners.

Example Sentences

Aboriginal leaders say there needs to be a holistic approach that will help solve the deep social inequalities in the territory.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

In a bright Glendale studio, Leigh McDaniel is challenging traditional healthcare norms with holistic pelvic care, offering sanctuary and healing for those navigating trauma, chronic pain and the complexities of sexual health.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

He also emphasized empirical medical evidence over unproven theory, stressed the body’s natural ability to heal, and generally advocated what today we would call holistic medicine, including the use of medicinal herbs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

"Success in defeating Alzheimer's hinges on interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic innovation," the authors conclude.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

His upper canines had never grown in, and the string of holistic dentists my parents had taken him to as a child had failed to notice until it was too late.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

• comprehensive
• integrated