soulful

adjective

soul·​ful ˈsōl-fəl 

: full of or expressing feeling or emotion

soulful music

soulfully

ˈsōl-fə-lē 

adverb

soulfulness noun

Examples of soulful in a Sentence

a handsome actor with soulful eyes

Recent Examples on the Web

As for the universality of her hypnotic, soulful sound and her dynamic, jazzy mezzo-soprano voice, Kidjo’s singing in five languages (Fon, French, Yorùbá, Gen-Mina and English) has forever been key to the funk, its frankness and her grace. — A.d. Amorosi, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026

But Panettiere, then 15, anchors the drama with a quietly soulful performance well beyond her years. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

But its heart remains in the right place, thanks to McConaughey’s raw, soulful performance. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The film, renowned for its gravity-defying action sequences and post-Matrix wire work, earned Best Picture and Best Director nominations for its soulful, nuanced characterizations and lush visuals. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for soulful

• doleful

Kids Definition

soulful

adjective

soul·​ful ˈsōl-fəl 

: full of or expressing feeling

soulful music

soulfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

soulfulness noun