winsome

[ win-suhm ]

adjective

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

   a winsome smile.

winsome

/ ˈwɪnsəm /

adjective

1. charming; winning; engaging

   a winsome smile

Derived Forms

• ˈwinsomeness, noun
• ˈwinsomely, adverb

Other Words From

• winsome·ly adverb
• winsome·ness noun
• un·winsome adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of winsome¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of winsome¹

Old English wynsum, from wynn joy (related to Old High German wunnia, German Wonne ) + -sum -some ¹

Example Sentences

Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, within the central ring of canals but traditionally a quiet residential area, is now frequented by selfie-snapping visitors — many of them drawn by rapturous descriptions on social media of the neighborhood’s winsome domesticity.

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

Mr. Butcher had been working with an international nondenominational ministry for children, teaching and illustrating Bible stories, when he and a colleague, Bill Biel, began making inspirational greeting cards and posters featuring his winsome characters in the early 1970s.

From New York Times

Eden is a complicated mix of independence — she runs her own seemingly thriving business — and winsome but deep-seated neediness.

From Los Angeles Times

Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears are seen as likely contenders in the gubernatorial race.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• appealing
• captivating
• cute
• delightful
• engaging