Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

winsome

American  
[win-suhm] / ˈwɪn səm /

adjective

  1. sweetly or innocently charming; winning; win; winning; engaging.

    a winsome smile.


winsome British  
/ ˈwɪnsəm /

adjective

  1. charming; winning; engaging

    a winsome smile

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • unwinsome adjective
  • winsomely adverb
  • winsomeness noun

Etymology

Origin of winsome

First recorded before 900; Middle English winsom, Old English wynsum, equivalent to wyn(n) “joy” ( wish ) + -sum -some 1

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

“There are no discounts for youth or winsome faces—and no sympathy reductions for badly cut fringes.”

From Literature

Astute readers ages 3 to 6 will quickly observe that the book’s winsome cat is initially missing hers.

From The Wall Street Journal

“She keeps her hair blonde and has that same winsome smile that everyone remembers,” Kemp said.

From Los Angeles Times

He takes care with place-setting, utilizing contemporary country tunes and a winsome lens on good old Americana.

From Los Angeles Times