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.
The food and nutrition offer includes Smoov, which serves functional smoothies that blend whole food proteins and gut health ingredients. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 That eating pattern delivers omega-3s, polyphenols, B vitamins and antioxidants from whole food sources alongside fiber and synergistic compounds that isolated pills can’t replicate. Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026 Whole Food Snack Bars or Trail Mix Most granola and protein bars are ultra-processed, but there are a few options that contain only whole foods. Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026 By then, Barnard and his wife had turned vegetarian, cut sugar and caffeine, and watched a sick family member recover on whole foods. Big Think, 1 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Whole food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20food. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

whole food

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