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
Swap one low-fiber food for a high-fiber alternative each week and mix it up across fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Phytates in whole grains and oxalates in leafy greens like spinach also bind to iron and zinc.
—Allison Palmer
updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
This type of bread is made of refined flour, which means most of the fiber found in whole grains has been removed.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026
Small swaps like plain yogurt, whole grains, and vegetables can improve breakfast quality without major diet changes.
—Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 12 June 2026
Limit these foods and prioritize nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beneficial fats, and lean proteins.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026
Tuesday, June 23, Country Fried Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, whole grain bread, Romaine salad and tomatoes, pears, milk.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
Their findings suggested that a diet which limits saturated fat and emphasizes foods such as vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, berries, lean proteins, and olive oil was associated with slower rates of cognitive decline.
—Kathleen Felton, Time, 9 June 2026
Phytates in whole grains and oxalates in spinach bind to iron and zinc as well.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
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Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026
Phytates in whole grains and oxalates in leafy greens like spinach also bind to iron and zinc.
—Allison Palmer
updated June 13, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026
This type of bread is made of refined flour, which means most of the fiber found in whole grains has been removed.
—Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026
Small swaps like plain yogurt, whole grains, and vegetables can improve breakfast quality without major diet changes.
—Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 12 June 2026
Limit these foods and prioritize nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beneficial fats, and lean proteins.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026
Tuesday, June 23, Country Fried Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, whole grain bread, Romaine salad and tomatoes, pears, milk.
—Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
Their findings suggested that a diet which limits saturated fat and emphasizes foods such as vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, berries, lean proteins, and olive oil was associated with slower rates of cognitive decline.
—Kathleen Felton, Time, 9 June 2026
Phytates in whole grains and oxalates in spinach bind to iron and zinc as well.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whole grain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20grain. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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