nourishment

noun

nour·​ish·​ment ˈnər-ish-mənt 

ˈnə-rish-

1

a

: food, nutriment

b

: sustenance sense 3

books for intellectual nourishment

2

: the act of nourishing : the state of being nourished

Synonyms of nourishment

• food
• sustenance

Examples of nourishment in a Sentence

These children are suffering because they lack proper nourishment.

Soil provides nourishment to plants.

Recent Examples on the Web

That shifted sand will support beach nourishment efforts. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026

Soothing composition aside, the texture here is lovely, offering nourishment in a plush cream that’s a treat to apply. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2026

Inside the nonprofit's kitchen, Chef Christopher Kelly and his team prepare hundreds of meals each day for older adults who rely on the service for daily nourishment. —Jamal Goss, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

Subsequent comments and writings made clear Francis intended such wiggle room, part of his belief that God’s mercy extends in particular to sinners and that the Eucharist isn’t a prize for the perfect but nourishment for the weak. —ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for nourishment

• undernourishment

Kids Definition

nourishment

noun

nour·​ish·​ment ˈnər-ish-mənt 

ˈnə-rish-

1

: something that nourishes : food, nutriment

2

: the act of nourishing : the state of being nourished

Medical Definition

nourishment

noun

nour·​ish·​ment ˈnər-ish-mənt, ˈnə-rish- 

1

: food sense 1, nutriment

2

: the act of nourishing or the state of being nourished