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

He takes care with place-setting, utilizing contemporary country tunes and a winsome lens on good old Americana.

From Los Angeles 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

And, for contrast, we get Rodin’s winsome portrait of Claudel, the lowered gaze of her intensely alert but ethereal head emerging from a hefty block of chiseled white marble.

From Los Angeles Times

The young actors are winsome but inexperienced, too often forced to wrangle improbably precocious turns of phrase.

From New York Times

In Gershwin’s original, as well as countless covers, it has a winsome, beautiful lullaby quality.

From New York Times

Related Words

• appealing
• captivating
• cute
• delightful
• engaging