winsome
adjective
win·some
ˈwin(t)-səm 
1
: generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence
a winsome smile
2
winsomely
adverb
winsomeness
noun
Did you know?
Winsome comes from Old English wynn, meaning "joy" or "pleasure," which was altered in spelling to win (with the same meaning). That win is obsolete and is unrelated to today's win—referring to victory and coming from Old English winnan, "to struggle, suffer, or acquire." The adjective winning, meaning "tending to please or delight," as in "a winning smile" or "winning ways," is believed to be from the victorious win.
Examples of winsome in a Sentence
He had a winsome, boyish smile.
she was a bright, winsome gamine who could draw a smile out of anyone
Recent Examples on the Web
By stuffing it deep inside a giant budget package, politicians are counting on us not noticing that just beneath their winsome title and talking points is yet another giveaway to the wealthy and another gutting of our public institutions.
—
Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Despite being set in literally the Arctic, its mood is all warmth — toward the community and culture it’s set in, and toward the lively cast of characters anchored by the winsome Anna Lambe.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
The little girl who had been playing Annie was so beautiful and winsome.
—Mark Seliger, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the film remains one of the most charming, winsome depictions of super-smart science whizzes idealistically hoping to change the world for the better with their work.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for winsome
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Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Despite being set in literally the Arctic, its mood is all warmth — toward the community and culture it’s set in, and toward the lively cast of characters anchored by the winsome Anna Lambe.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025
The little girl who had been playing Annie was so beautiful and winsome.
—Mark Seliger, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the film remains one of the most charming, winsome depictions of super-smart science whizzes idealistically hoping to change the world for the better with their work.
—ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for winsome
Cite this Entry
“Winsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winsome. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
winsome
adjective
win·some
ˈwin(t)-səm
1
: having a charming or pleasing quality
a winsome smile
2
: cheerful sense 1a
a winsome mood
winsomely
adverb
winsomeness
noun
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