whole wheat

American  

[hohl weet, hweet] / ˈhoʊl ˈwit, ˈʰwit /

Rarely wholewheat or whole-wheat

noun

1. Usually whole wheat the complete kernel of wheat, including all of the germ and bran.

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adjective

1. prepared using the complete wheat kernel.

whole-wheat British  

adjective

1. Also called (esp in Britain and certain other countries): wholemeal.  (of flour, bread, etc) made from the entire wheat kernel

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Etymology

Origin of whole wheat

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Each starter began with one of three substrates: all-purpose flour, bread flour or whole wheat flour.

From Science Daily • Jan. 21, 2026

She began to cut out ultra-processed foods, instead opting for fresh fruit and vegetables, whole wheat pastas and oats.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

The changes also expand access to whole grains like quinoa, wild rice and millet and to foods such as teff and whole wheat naan.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2024

Baker felt extra judged by fellow parents who assumed that because she was a dietitian, she fed her children only whole wheat bread and carrots.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 14, 2023

“No glasses of orange juice or whole wheat toast.”

From "Walk Two Moons" by Sharon Creech