biophilic

adjective

bio·​phil·​ic ˌbī-ō-ˈfi-lik 

: of, relating to, or characterized by biophilia : relating to, showing, or being the human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature

The biophilic tendency is nevertheless so clearly evinced in daily life and widely distributed as to deserve serious attention. It unfolds in the predictable fantasies and responses of individuals from early childhood onward.

—E. O. Wilson

However, the emerging concept of biophilic design recognizes how much human physical and mental well-being relies on the quality of our relationships to the natural world.

—Lindsey Blomberg

Examples of biophilic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are buildings that look like the modern-day Hanging Gardens of Babylon, thanks to the popularity of biophilic design and architecture in Singapore. —Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

For Erica McLain, former Olympian turned biophilic design expert, lavender pairs wonderfully with tactile materials like raw linen, stone, or softly grained wood. —Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

This biophilic home is a rare find in one of Istanbul’s most creative neighborhoods. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025

Essentially, biophilic design is the practice of bringing the outdoors in: not only by way of plants but also paint and linen colors that allude to the natural world. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 3 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for biophilic

• acrylic
• argillic
• benzylic
• cyrillic
• idyllic
• acidophilic
• dicarboxylic
• electrophilic
• nucleophilic
• tricarboxylic
• amphiphilic
• basophilic