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

• 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

Its Monoï Hydrating Complex (a blend of coconut oil and gardenia extract) provides lips with lasting softness, while squalane, jojoba seed oil, and pomegranate flower extract boost moisture and nourishment. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025

Here, beauty becomes literal violence as her mouth is pried open, and nourishment becomes punishment. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025

In one Louisiana facility, detainees say the food they're given is often expired, and not enough to provide proper nourishment. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025

Linda has to change out bags of liquid nourishment seemingly all night. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025

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