winsome
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of winsome
First recorded before 900; Middle English winsom, Old English wynsum, equivalent to wyn(n) “joy” ( see wish) + -sum -some 1
Explanation
If you are described as winsome, take it as a compliment. It means you are attractive or charming in an open and delightful way. It doesn't mean you win some and you lose some. The word winsome comes from the Old English wynn which means pleasure and delight. The word sometimes carries with it a feeling of childlike joy or innocence that is attractive or pleasing to others. There is nothing hiding behind a winsome smile. It wins over others in a fresh and honest way.
Vocabulary lists containing winsome
300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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100 SAT words Beginning with W,X,Y, and Z
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Beowulf vocabulary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Like Camille and her winsome wooden chair, it’s easy to see something striking and convince ourselves that having it will change our lives and make everything easier.
From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026
Astute readers ages 3 to 6 will quickly observe that the book’s winsome cat is initially missing hers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026
Eden is a complicated mix of independence — she runs her own seemingly thriving business — and winsome but deep-seated neediness.
From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2024
The co-hosts of the YouTube cooking show “Hunger Pangs” and co-authors of “A Very Chinese Cookbook,” the Pangs are a winsome duo, but their relationship wasn’t always amicable.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 16, 2024
“Those are hard words to apply to a winsome lass,” said the bard.
From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
