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

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

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

It’s about nourishing your spirit, taking care of your body, honoring your ancestors, and staying in balance.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Sierra Nevada, the snow that blankets the rugged landscape each winter melts and gushes in meadows, streams and rivers, nourishing alpine ecosystems and filling reservoirs.

From Los Angeles Times

Her statement concluded: “In keeping it near, you keep his spirit alive — nourishing you with the peace, love, joy and light that embodied Malcolm-Jamal Warner.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• wholesome