whole food

noun

: a natural food and especially an unprocessed one (such as a vegetable or fruit)

Examples of whole food in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other highly respected plant-rich diets, such as the DASH diet and the MIND diet, also focus on consuming whole foods while limiting sugar, red meat and ultraprocessed foods. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026 When thinking about whole foods, frozen meats and vegetables retain their nutritional integrity and are often frozen when their nutrients are at their peak. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2026 Choose whole foods like whole grains, beans, legumes, dairy, eggs, lean meats, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables to build a balanced breakfast. Merve Ceylan, Health, 23 Apr. 2026 The healthy qualities of whole foods — like high-fiber apples or asparagus — help promote fullness and are less likely to spike blood sugar. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for whole food

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whole food was in 1880

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whole food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20food. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

whole food

noun
: a natural food and especially an unprocessed one (as a vegetable or fruit)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster