whole grain

noun

plural whole grains

: an unmilled grain (such as wheat, rice, or barley) having its bran, germ, and endosperm intact

Start with a whole grain, such as brown rice, millet, or whole wheat.

—Cynthia Lair

Fill half your plate with a variety of vegetables and fruit. Add 20 to 30 grams of protein as well as carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, beans and whole grains.

—Emily Marrison

also : a grain that has been ground or processed but not hulled or refined

Processed whole grains are whole grains that have been cracked (as in cracked wheat bread), rolled (as in rolled oat cereal), crushed or ground (as in whole-wheat flour and bulgur) or extruded (as in whole-wheat pasta). They provide the same nutrients found in the original kernel of grain.

—Anastasia Schepers

Whole-grain flours have a more complex taste and create a heartier texture than refined white flours because they include the bran and germ.

—Chicago Sun-Times

Examples of whole grain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sourdough bread can offer several nutritional benefits, especially when it’s made with whole grains. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 28 June 2026

Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. — Lindsey Desoto, Health, 26 June 2026

Pairing a lean protein with fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will create a balanced meal, while also providing vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. — Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 25 June 2026

Beans, whole grains, seeds and nuts may carry compounds that quietly support the gut barrier rather than work against it. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

Friday, June 26, Birthday Lunch, Oven Fried Chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, whole grain bread, peaches, cake, milk. — Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2026

SunChips SunChips are available in Original, Garden Salsa, and French Onion flavors and are made with 100% whole grains. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

Phytates in whole grains and oxalates in spinach bind to iron and zinc as well. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026

The key is building meals around high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, whole grains, berries, seeds, vegetables and nuts. — Ryan Brennan june 8, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for whole grain

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• halothane
• hurricane
• hyperplane