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.
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, found in a variety of whole foods. Trang Tran, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025 Experts say most people can meet their protein needs through whole foods rather than relying on supplements. Health Editorial Team, Health, 17 Oct. 2025 The macronutrient can be found in plenty of whole foods, like Greek yogurt, nuts, legumes and meat. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 Oct. 2025 In fact, the vast majority of people would be better off getting their protein from whole foods rather than protein supplements, period. Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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