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

To add shine and nourishment, look for lightweight ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, rosemary oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and aloe vera. —Aimee Simeon, Glamour, 7 May 2026

Menus are crafted by nutritionists and aligned with each guest’s program — seasonal, often organic and gourmet, designed for nourishment rather than indulgence alone. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

Michelle makes sure there's plenty of nourishment for Tatamá's hardworking hummingbirds. —Andy Court, CBS News, 3 May 2026

Rinsing quinoa is really about improving the experience and allowing the ingredient to deliver on flavor and nourishment. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 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