nourish

verb

nour·​ish ˈnər-ish 

ˈnə-rish

nourished; nourishing; nourishes

transitive verb

1

: nurture, rear

… to save my boy, to nourish and bring him up …

—Shakespeare

2

: to promote the growth of

… no occasions to exercise the feelings nor nourish passion.

—L. O. Coxe

nourished soccer as a sport in this country

needed to nourish his spiritual life

3

a

: to furnish or sustain with nutriment : feed

Plants are nourished by rain and soil.

b

: maintain, support

Their profits … nourish other criminal activities.

—Beverly Smith

nourisher noun

Synonyms of nourish

• promote
• cultivate
• encourage
• nurture
• foster

Examples of nourish in a Sentence

Vitamins are added to the shampoo to nourish the hair.

a friendship nourished by trust

Recent Examples on the Web

Acts of service are a great way to nourish yourself and anyone who lives with you. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026

Scorpio October 23 – November 21 Play can currently nourish surprising progress on real goals. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 4 Mar. 2026

Ophthalmologist-tested and safe for sensitive eyes, it’s infused with Tilt Calm Complex to nourish the lash line and support stronger, healthier lashes. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026

Mielle Organics Weightless Hair Oil The lightweight hair oil is infused with ingredients like aloe vera and kalahari melon (rich in omega-6), both of which nourish the hair, providing deep hydration, restoring softness, and defining curls. —Claire West, Parents, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nurishen, from Anglo-French nuriss-, stem of nurrir, norrir, from Latin nutrire to suckle, nourish; akin to Greek nan to flow, noteros damp, Sanskrit snauti it drips

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nourish

• flourish

Kids Definition

nourish

verb

nour·​ish ˈnər-ish 

ˈnə-rish

1

: to promote the growth or development of

2

a

: to provide with food : feed

plants nourished by rain and soil

b

: to provide for : support, maintain

a friendship nourished by trust

Medical Definition

nourish

transitive verb

nour·​ish ˈnər-ish, ˈnə-rish 

: to furnish or sustain with nutriment : feed