wholesome

American  

[hohl-suhm] / ˈhoʊl səm /

adjective

1. conducive to moral or general well-being; salutary; beneficial.

   wholesome recreation;

   wholesome environment.

   Synonyms:

   good, helpful

2. conducive to bodily health; healthful; salubrious.

   wholesome food;

   wholesome air;

   wholesome exercise.

   Synonyms:

   nutritious, nourishing

3. suggestive of physical or moral health, especially in appearance.

4. healthy or sound.

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wholesome British  

/ ˈhəʊlsəm /

adjective

1. conducive to health or physical wellbeing

2. conducive to moral wellbeing

3. characteristic or suggestive of health or wellbeing, esp in appearance

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Related Words

See healthy.

Other Word Forms

• wholesomely adverb
• wholesomeness noun

Etymology

Origin of wholesome

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English ho(o)lsom; equivalent to whole + -some ¹; cognate with Old High German heilsam, Old Norse heilsamr

Explanation

Anything wholesome is good for you. Hopscotch is in most cases a wholesome game, since you can't get into much trouble while hopping up and down on the concrete. Wholesome foods are the ones that your body appreciates, the ones that help you stay healthy. Marshmallows and corn chips aren't what you'd call wholesome, but organically grown fruits and vegetables are. Wholesome can also apply to other things. If you project a wholesome image, other people see you as a decent, moral person, somebody who's trustworthy and not living a secret life of crime. The word wholesome comes from the Old English hal, meaning "healthy."

Example Sentences

If the goal was to make Jackson’s proclivities look normal and wholesome, congratulations, “Michael” is a spectacular failure.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

The presence of two people at the opposite ends of human lifespan showed the Masters' annual Par 3 Contest is not just providing wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“Project Hail Mary” is wholesome science fiction that satisfies like a jumbo serving of apple pie and milk.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

I saw this as a very clean, wholesome, funny show, with innocent, though sometimes worrisome childhood struggles that many people could relate to, if only aspirationally for some.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

“First Murderer must be Dudley-at-the-gate; I suppose the other was Count Dracula. A wholesome family.”

From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson

Related Words

• healthful
• hygienic
• pure