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
In that span, the de la Cruz Collection along with several other premier private hoards of art on public exhibit in Miami, helped to wholly redefine the city as a place far more substantial than just a sun’n’fun capital.
—
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
Keep in mind, however, that starting your plugs indoors isn’t a wholly necessary task.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 30 Nov. 2025
The Sonnenalp Named as one of the top resorts in Colorado in this year’s World’s Best Awards, the Sonnenalp Hotel is a wholly original property that marries privacy with convenience.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
Even when they are surrounded by misfit buddies or concerned colleagues, her characters tend to feel wholly, miserably—but also, somehow, relatably—alone.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wholly
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Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
Keep in mind, however, that starting your plugs indoors isn’t a wholly necessary task.
—Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 30 Nov. 2025
The Sonnenalp Named as one of the top resorts in Colorado in this year’s World’s Best Awards, the Sonnenalp Hotel is a wholly original property that marries privacy with convenience.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
Even when they are surrounded by misfit buddies or concerned colleagues, her characters tend to feel wholly, miserably—but also, somehow, relatably—alone.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wholly
Cite this Entry
“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wholly. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wholly
adverb
whol·ly
ˈhōl-(l)ē 
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
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