whole food

noun

: a natural food and especially an unprocessed one (such as a vegetable or fruit)

Examples of whole food in a Sentence

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.
When possible, choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 9 Dec. 2025 Consuming whole foods that contain collagen and a broad range of other nutrients( such as bone broth, eggs, skin-on chicken, leafy greens, and bell peppers) is always a good idea. Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2025 Emphasize whole foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats while limiting ultraprocessed foods, which tend to promote inflammation. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 But here’s the thing: Most experts recommend against relying on these protein shortcuts to meet your daily goals, instead encouraging the protein obsessed to consume the nutrient through whole foods. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whole food

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whole food was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

“Whole food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20food. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

whole food

noun
: a natural food and especially an unprocessed one (as a vegetable or fruit)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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