winsome

adjective

win·​some ˈwin(t)-səm How to pronounce winsome (audio)
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 That win is obsolete and is unrelated to today's win—referring to victory and coming from Old English winnan, "to struggle, suffer, or acquire."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 Which is all very even-keeled and level-headed, but, a little like with Veronica Lee’s insistently winsome score, the lack of inflection in the film’s infinitely broad-spectrum compassion can sometimes feel less like restraint and more like timidity. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 25 Feb. 2024 The dual tragedy, along with winsome photos of the Ambrosio family, has brought more than $512,000 in GoFundMe contributions from donors nationwide. Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 13 Jan. 2024 And that goes for all those winsome young TikTokers who have made Stanley cups such a hot accessory that people are storming Target the minute a new color comes out. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2024 Packed with sumptuous visuals and a universally relatable core, this winsome coming-of-age story is intended for teens and young adults, but is also a must-see for anime enthusiasts, magical realism fans, and those looking to have their faith in love renewed. Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2023 The winsome whiskered one and her sweet snack van will make stops on Saturday, Jan. 13, in Fremont and on Saturday, Jan. 20, in San Bruno. Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2024 Ivan, named after Ivanhoe and played by a winsome Natey Jones, comes to Kingston with a dream of making it in the music industry, but falls into petty crime along the way. Vulture, 15 Mar. 2023 The assumption is that, in time, the Evangelical will slowly leaven his institution with the gospel and transform it by his winsome and culturally enlightened version of Christianity. Andrew T. Walker, National Review, 31 Dec. 2023 Madeleine is firmly in the former camp, though her covert romance with spineless tire-factory heir André (a winsome Edouard Sulpice) is of less importance to her than her budding acting career. Guy Lodge, Variety, 24 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'winsome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English winsum, from Old English wynsum, from wynn joy; akin to Old High German wunna joy, Latin venus desire — more at win

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of winsome was before the 12th century

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Dictionary Entries Near winsome

Cite this Entry

“Winsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winsome. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

winsome

adjective
win·​some ˈwin(t)-səm How to pronounce winsome (audio)
1
: having a charming or pleasing quality
a winsome smile
2
: cheerful sense 1a
a winsome mood
winsomely adverb
winsomeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on winsome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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