nourishing

[nur-i-shing, nuhr-]

adjective

1. promoting or sustaining life, growth, or strength.

   a nourishing diet.

Other Word Forms

• nourishingly adverb
• nonnourishing adjective
• overnourishingly adverb
• self-nourishing adjective
• unnourishing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nourishing¹

1350–1400; Middle English (gerund); nourish, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Her statement concluded: “In keeping it near, you keep his spirit alive — nourishing you with the peace, love, joy and light that embodied Malcolm-Jamal Warner.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some relationships do redemptively transform for the better and evolve into a much more nourishing and aligned version of however they existed before.

From Los Angeles Times

Dug was blown dry and finished off with a hotel-grade, organic cotton towel, rubbed with nourishing paw-balm and spritzed with “show dog” scent cologne.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, when I want something that feels nourishing but still cold enough to qualify as summer food, I make a savory cottage cheese bowl.

From Salon

Cook a nourishing meal for a new friend that you might have met at a.m. a couple weeks ago but want to get to know better.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• wholesome 

When To Use

What does nourishing mean?

Nourishing is an adjective that describes things that nourish—do or provide what’s needed for someone or something to be healthy and to grow and develop.The word is most commonly used in relation to food. Nourishing food is filled with nutrients that help us to grow and stay healthy. A more common word to describe such food is nutritious.However, nourishing can be used in many other contexts, including those that don’t involve food, as in a nourishing atmosphere for students. Example: As a mother, it’s my job to provide my kids with things that are physically, mentally, and emotionally nourishing.