nourishing

American  

[nur-i-shing, nuhr-] / ˈnɜr ɪ ʃɪŋ, ˈnʌr- /

adjective

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

   a nourishing diet.

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of nourishing

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

Example Sentences

Albertsons Companies is “accelerating the distribution of $13 million in annual holiday gift cards” to community food banks through its Nourishing Neighbors program, per an announcement made Oct.

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2025

James Carvelli, who works in construction, said the Nourishing Hope food pantry keeps him fed when work is slow.

From Reuters • Sep. 24, 2022

Nourishing kids today is one of the smartest investments we can make to guarantee they’re ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 10, 2021

Nourishing soups and broths will help you stay full even as you slash calories, they claim.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2016

Nourishing a grievance against the Arch- Community-Songster was useless; there was no possibility of being revenged on the Chief Bottler or the Assistant Predestinator.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Related Words

• wholesome