soulful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of soulful
Explanation
The adjective soulful is used to describe things that express strong emotion, especially a kind of sadness or tenderness. You might enjoy soulful poetry — or you might just find it corny. If you meet a sad-looking dog with big, soulful eyes at your local animal shelter, you'll have a hard time not taking him home with you. Those soulful eyes might seem to be saying, "You are the companion I've been waiting for all my life." (Although they might actually be saying, "Mmm, you smell like bacon.") This adjective is also good for describing music that moves you deeply.
Vocabulary lists containing soulful
"Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou
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Road Home
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Betty Before X
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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.
Mr. Bernal is a perfect choice for Magellan, soulful enough for sympathy but gifted enough to play a quietly possessed fanatic.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
With her Spanglish lyrics, soulful vocals and glittery production, Nezza has her sights set on international pop stardom.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026
It can turn a rancorous conversation into a more soulful and forgiving one.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026
The soulful pop-rock love song has been a mainstay on the singles chart since its release last June, previously peaking at number five three times.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026
A church organ piped a shoulder-rocking beat, soon followed by Mahalia Jackson’s deep, soulful voice belting “Oh Happy Day.”
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
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.
