wholesome

American  

[hohl-suhm] / ˈhoʊl səm /

adjective

1. conducive to moral or general well-being; salutary; beneficial.

   wholesome recreation;

   wholesome environment.

   Synonyms:

   good, helpful

2. conducive to bodily health; healthful; salubrious.

   wholesome food;

   wholesome air;

   wholesome exercise.

   Synonyms:

   nutritious, nourishing

3. suggestive of physical or moral health, especially in appearance.

4. healthy or sound.

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wholesome British  

/ ˈhəʊlsəm /

adjective

1. conducive to health or physical wellbeing

2. conducive to moral wellbeing

3. characteristic or suggestive of health or wellbeing, esp in appearance

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Related Words

See healthy.

Other Word Forms

• wholesomely adverb
• wholesomeness noun

Etymology

Origin of wholesome

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English ho(o)lsom; equivalent to whole + -some ¹; cognate with Old High German heilsam, Old Norse heilsamr

Example Sentences

Keen says she actually preferred Galaxy to the first film as it has "loads of funny moments" alongside "cute, wholesome moments".

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

There is no modest, wholesome attempt at going out on his own to make a life beyond what marital destiny provided.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

"It's just really disheartening because it's such a delightful hobby and it's so wholesome and then moments like that really break your heart," Wosley said.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

The baking connoisseur, known among fans and competitors for her affinity for boozy sweets and vibrant fashion and accessory choices, announced her departure from the wholesome series on Wednesday morning.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

I’m looking for the Dannemans, a name that sounds wholesome like a pastry.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• healthful
• hygienic
• pure