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Definition of healthful

healthful

/ˈhɛlθ.fəl/
health · ful
Adverb:healthfully
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healthful Lexical Profile

healthful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Conducive to good health of body or mind; wholesome and beneficial.

Example

"The nutritionist recommended a healthful diet rich in whole grains, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for healthful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for healthful

Word Nuance & Usage

Traditionally, usage guides distinguish between "healthful" (conducive to good health, as of food or climate) and "healthy" (possessing good health, as of a person), though "healthy" is now widely accepted in both senses in everyday English.

• Rhymes for healthful

• Nearby Words

healing
health
healthcare
healthful
healthfully
healthfulness
healthily

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English in the late 14th century from the noun "health" (from Old English "hǣlþ", meaning wholeness or soundness) combined with the suffix "-ful".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Healthful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/healthful
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