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); nourish, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Mama was always cooking up nourishing broths and porridges for forgotten old men and pale young mothers—on days, that is, when she herself was strong enough to stand at the stove.

From Literature

Padma was about bringing these kinds of conversations together in a nourishing space — like over a beautiful meal — to invite care and participation.

From Los Angeles Times

"Instead of being solely focused on athletics, I'm making sure that I'm nourishing some things away from the track," she adds.

From BBC

Cabbage is everything we need in food right now: affordable, abundant, nourishing.

From Salon

Preparing food becomes a regulatory act — a way to channel overwhelming emotion into something tactile and nourishing.

From Salon

Related Words

• wholesome