whole grain
noun
plural whole grains
: an unmilled grain (such as wheat, rice, or barley) having its bran, germ, and endosperm intact
Start with a whole grain, such as brown rice, millet, or whole wheat.—
Cynthia Lair
Cynthia LairFill half your plate with a variety of vegetables and fruit. Add 20 to 30 grams of protein as well as carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, beans and whole grains.—Emily Marrison
Emily Marrison
also
: a grain that has been ground or processed but not hulled or refined
Processed whole grains are whole grains that have been cracked (as in cracked wheat bread), rolled (as in rolled oat cereal), crushed or ground (as in whole-wheat flour and bulgur) or extruded (as in whole-wheat pasta). They provide the same nutrients found in the original kernel of grain. —Anastasia Schepers
Anastasia Schepers Whole-grain flours have a more complex taste and create a heartier texture than refined white flours because they include the bran and germ. —Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times Examples of whole grain in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Starting your day with a hearty bowl of oatmeal is a great way to gain all the benefits of oats, one of nature's healthiest whole grains.
—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
Preliminary research points to benefits of vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and non-citrus fruits (because citrus fruits are higher in acid), Toriz says.
—
Sarah Klein,
Time,
30 June 2026
Higher-fiber foods include chia seeds, avocados, and whole grains.
—
Joy Emeh,
Health,
30 June 2026
These lunch bowls feature whole grains and legumes, which complement amino acids and offer fiber that supports gut health.
—
Jennifer Berger,
Verywell Health,
29 June 2026
Sourdough bread can offer several nutritional benefits, especially when it’s made with whole grains.
—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
According to Manaker, the whole grains add fiber and fuel, making this snack ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a quick pick-me-up during the day.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
28 June 2026
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Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
1 July 2026
Preliminary research points to benefits of vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and non-citrus fruits (because citrus fruits are higher in acid), Toriz says.
—
Sarah Klein,
Time,
30 June 2026
Higher-fiber foods include chia seeds, avocados, and whole grains.
—
Joy Emeh,
Health,
30 June 2026
These lunch bowls feature whole grains and legumes, which complement amino acids and offer fiber that supports gut health.
—
Jennifer Berger,
Verywell Health,
29 June 2026
Sourdough bread can offer several nutritional benefits, especially when it’s made with whole grains.
—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 June 2026
According to Manaker, the whole grains add fiber and fuel, making this snack ideal for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a quick pick-me-up during the day.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
28 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whole grain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20grain. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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