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.

---

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

---

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

He also calls for olive oil, which has less unhealthy saturated fat than the traditional butter, and whole wheat pasta to inject more fiber into the meal.

From Seattle Times • May 22, 2024

Pancakes had yeast, baking soda and baking powder, whole wheat flour, flaxseed, oatmeal, soy milk, mashed bananas, vanilla and a few other things besides eggs and oil.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2023

She dreamt continually of bread, of grainy ryes and pumpemickels, whole wheat and challah in woven straw baskets.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García