wholly

adverb

whol·​ly ˈhō(l)-lē How to pronounce wholly (audio)
1
: to the full or entire extent : completely
a wholly owned subsidiary
2
: to the exclusion of other things : solely
a book dealing wholly with herbs

Examples of wholly in a Sentence

She is wholly devoted to her children. An infant is wholly dependent on its mother. The claim is wholly without merit.
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.
Any designer or architect worth their salt will tell you that having an inspired client, wholly engaged in the conceptual and aesthetic underpinnings of a commission, is an enormous boon to the prospect of original creative expression. Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025 Only 62 were businesses wholly owned by foreign companies, while 112 were joint ventures with the Cuban government. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 Odd bro-couple Orlando Bloom and Tom Brady, both batching it to the nuptials, both tossed together in the Gritti Palace — and whether either of them is truly single being wholly beside the point — enjoyed a bit of boulevardier-ing about as each other’s wingman. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 The series is wholly owned by Fox Entertainment and produced by Fox Entertainment Studios. Joe Otterson, Variety, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wholly

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hoolly, from hool whole

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wholly was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wholly. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

wholly

adverb
whol·​ly ˈhōl-(l)ē How to pronounce wholly (audio)
1
: to the full or entire extent : completely
a wholly different view
2
: to the exclusion of other things : solely
a book devoted wholly to sports cars

More from Merriam-Webster on wholly

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