nourishing

[nur-i-shing, nuhr-]

adjective

1. promoting or sustaining life, growth, or strength.

   a nourishing diet.

Other Word Forms

• nourishingly adverb
• nonnourishing adjective
• overnourishingly adverb
• self-nourishing adjective
• unnourishing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nourishing¹

1350–1400; Middle English (gerund); nourish, -ing ²

Example Sentences

In such asides, Capote subtly reveals how food leads to story, our narratives as nourishing as anything on our holiday plates.

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The sea air was nourishing and gave her hope.

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AS YOU MAY KNOW, “ALMA MATER” is a Latin phrase that means “nourishing mother.”

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Being a writer is just a small part of the whole picture, to me, of our very rich and very nourishing friendship.

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At least the Shareefs honored this animal by giving thanks, and by turning it into a beautiful, nourishing meal.

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Related Words

• wholesome 

When To Use

What does nourishing mean?

Nourishing is an adjective that describes things that nourish—do or provide what’s needed for someone or something to be healthy and to grow and develop.The word is most commonly used in relation to food. Nourishing food is filled with nutrients that help us to grow and stay healthy. A more common word to describe such food is nutritious.However, nourishing can be used in many other contexts, including those that don’t involve food, as in a nourishing atmosphere for students. Example: As a mother, it’s my job to provide my kids with things that are physically, mentally, and emotionally nourishing.