restorative

1 of 2

adjective

re·​stor·​ative ri-ˈstȯr-ə-tiv How to pronounce restorative (audio)
: of or relating to restoration
especially : having power to restore
restorative sleep

restorative

2 of 2

noun

: something that serves to restore to consciousness, vigor, or health

Examples of restorative in a Sentence

Adjective the restorative powers of rest took a restorative vitamin mix to improve his immune system Noun Sleep is a powerful restorative.
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.
Adjective
By calming the nervous system, research shows that Swedish massage also plays a role in regulating the body’s internal clock – encouraging deeper, more restorative sleep cycles. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025 Sleep is a neuroprotective and restorative period that supports the structural and functional integrity of the brain. Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
The Sanctuary Beach Resort, a 60-room beachfront getaway set along 19 acres of natural sand dunes and California coastline along the Monterey Peninsula, outside San Francisco, is a perfect restorative. Rona Berg, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 The chickpea soup is a great restorative. John Mariani, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for restorative

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English restauratif, restoratif "capable of restoring health," borrowed from Anglo-French restauratif, borrowed from Medieval Latin restaurātīvus, from Latin restaurātus, past participle of restaurāre "to return to its former condition, restore" + -īvus -ive

Noun

Middle English restauratif, noun derivative of restauratif, restoratif restorative entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of restorative was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Restorative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restorative. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

restorative

1 of 2 adjective
re·​stor·​ative ri-ˈstōr-ət-iv How to pronounce restorative (audio)
-ˈstȯr-
: of or relating to restoration
especially : having power to restore
the restorative value of food and rest

restorative

2 of 2 noun
: something that serves to restore to consciousness or health

Medical Definition

restorative

1 of 2 adjective
re·​stor·​ative ri-ˈstōr-ət-iv, -ˈstȯr- How to pronounce restorative (audio)
: of, relating to, or providing restoration
restorative treatment
restorative dentistry

restorative

2 of 2 noun
: something (as a medicine) that serves to restore to consciousness, vigor, or health
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