1
: to the full or entire extent : completely
a wholly owned subsidiary
2
: to the exclusion of other things : solely
a book dealing wholly with herbs
Examples of wholly in a Sentence
She is wholly devoted to her children.
An infant is wholly dependent on its mother.
The claim is wholly without merit.
Recent Examples on the Web
The chain was wholly owned by Walmart for more than a decade until 2021, when the U.S. retailer sold a 65% stake to KKR and another 20% to Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten Group, which is controlled by billionaire Hiroshi Mikitani.
—
Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
This problem is created wholly by public institutions seeking to make a profit.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
The strapless black dress was wholly evocative of dark glamour, refining the style with touches of sparkle.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
Solo travel teaches you to rely on your instincts and gives you the opportunity to wholly pursue your interests.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wholly
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Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
This problem is created wholly by public institutions seeking to make a profit.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
The strapless black dress was wholly evocative of dark glamour, refining the style with touches of sparkle.
—Julia Teti, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
Solo travel teaches you to rely on your instincts and gives you the opportunity to wholly pursue your interests.
—Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for wholly
Cite this Entry
“Wholly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wholly. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
wholly
adverb
whol·ly
ˈhōl-(l)ē 
1
: to the full or entire extent : completely
a wholly different view
2
: to the exclusion of other things : solely
a book devoted wholly to sports cars
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