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

Participants receive access to specific healthy staples, including milk, eggs, whole grains, infant formula, fruits and vegetables. —Sam Raus, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026

Many gluten-free breads contain more additives and less fiber or protein than traditional whole grain breads. —Christina Manian, Health, 29 May 2026

Mediterranean diets prioritize fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats. —Sarah Klein, Time, 28 May 2026

Summer lunch menus follow the USDA National School Lunch Program meal pattern, which includes lean protein, whole grains, a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, and low fat or fat free milk. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026

Oatmeal Oatmeal is a whole grain that provides fiber and nutrients like iron and B vitamins. —Sarah Anzlovar, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026

Among people with a history of adenomas, those who got less exercise and had less healthy diets (higher in sugary drinks and lower in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) had more of the microbes typically elevated for people with both adenomas and colorectal cancer. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 27 May 2026

And some other individuals may need to approach whole grain pasta with extra caution. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 May 2026

On offer that day were fish tacos with shredded napa cabbage, pineapple salsa and a tangy Greek yogurt sauce on a whole grain tortilla, served with a side of cilantro lime rice and lentil stew. —Joe Hernandez, NPR, 23 May 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