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• whole wheat
  whole wheat

  noun

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

  adjective

  (of flour, bread, etc) made from the entire wheat kernel

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

Adding a slice of a fiber-rich whole wheat bread won’t kill you.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 21, 2026

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

For bread enthusiasts, stock up on yeast, bread flour and possibly some rye or whole wheat flour for variety.

From Salon • Jan. 2, 2025

Dad orders a sunny-side-up platter with whole wheat toast, and I order scrambled.

From "Please Ignore Vera Dietz" by A.S. King