nourishing

American  

[nur-i-shing, nuhr-] / ˈnɜr ɪ ʃɪŋ, ˈnʌr- /

adjective

1. promoting or sustaining life, growth, or strength.

   a nourishing diet.

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Usage

What does nourishing mean? Nourishing is an adjective that describes things that nourish—do or provide what’s needed for someone or something to be healthy and to grow and develop.The word is most commonly used in relation to food. Nourishing food is filled with nutrients that help us to grow and stay healthy. A more common word to describe such food is nutritious.However, nourishing can be used in many other contexts, including those that don’t involve food, as in a nourishing atmosphere for students. Example: As a mother, it’s my job to provide my kids with things that are physically, mentally, and emotionally nourishing.

Other Word Forms

• nonnourishing adjective
• nourishingly adverb
• overnourishingly adverb
• self-nourishing adjective
• unnourishing adjective

Etymology

Origin of nourishing

1350–1400; Middle English (gerund); nourish, -ing ²

Example Sentences

"Instead of being solely focused on athletics, I'm making sure that I'm nourishing some things away from the track," she adds.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

Brothy soups and hearty stews Stock up on sturdy deli containers and ladle them full of nourishing soups and stews.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2026

In such asides, Capote subtly reveals how food leads to story, our narratives as nourishing as anything on our holiday plates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Being a writer is just a small part of the whole picture, to me, of our very rich and very nourishing friendship.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2025

Their numb families mourned in silence, with pots of stew and nourishing foods heaped into their kitchens, while the comforting arms of neighbors circled around them to ease their bereavement.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill

Related Words

• wholesome