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

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

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

In the 2026 hellscape of sports betting and doom-scrolling, however, it’s the rare wholesome one: It shuns phones, keeps the mind sharp and gives grandma a prime opportunity to thump the young ’uns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 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

I scolded him for it, but he argued quietly that it was very good and very wholesome; that it was life, strong life, and gave life to him.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Related Words

• healthful
• hygienic
• pure