whole food

noun

: a natural food and especially an unprocessed one (such as a vegetable or fruit)

Examples of whole food in a Sentence

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.
Choose meals with whole foods, fiber, and plenty of color. Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025 Choose whole foods, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates to maintain stable energy levels. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 These products are everywhere, marketed relentlessly, and often cheaper than whole foods. William Warr, Time, 15 Sep. 2025 Unlike whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, whole grains, nuts and seeds, ultraprocessed foods are mostly industrial formulations that contain many additives, including salt, sugar, oils, preservatives, emulsifiers and synthetic ingredients. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for whole food

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of whole food was in 1880

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Cite this Entry

“Whole food.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20food. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

whole food

noun
: a natural food and especially an unprocessed one (as a vegetable or fruit)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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