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.
At 67, her winsome singing voice is remarkably unchanged from the era of big hair and dangly earrings.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026
Based on a popular Korean webtoon, “Moving” is a bit bloody for the Disney brand but the winsome kids and the family solidarity fits right in.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026
TELO’s winsome MT1 has collected 14,000 paid reservations.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026
Unlike Colossus, it wouldn’t be scary but winsome.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 3, 2026
And then Reverend Obertask appeared and said to me, “Louisiana Elefante, it is a delight to gaze upon your winsome face once again.”
From "Louisiana's Way Home" by Kate DiCamillo
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
