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
Fill 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
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
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
Cite this Entry
“Whole grain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20grain. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
