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winsome

adjective
win·​some | \ ˈwin(t)-səm How to pronounce winsome (audio) \

Definition of winsome

1 : generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence a winsome smile
2 : cheerful, lighthearted
Other Words from winsome Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about winsome

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Other Words from winsome

winsomely adverb
winsomeness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for winsome

Synonyms

blithe, blithesome, bright, buoyant, canty [British dialect], cheerful, cheery, chipper, eupeptic, gay, gladsome, lightsome, sunny, upbeat

Antonyms

dour, gloomy, glum, morose, saturnine, sulky, sullen

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Did You Know?

Winsome began as "wynsum" a thousand years ago. It was formed from "wynn," the Old English word for "joy" or "pleasure," and the suffix -sum, an older form of the "-some" we see today in many adjectives, such as "awesome," "irksome," and "lonesome." "Wynn" later became win, meaning "pleasure," but we haven't used that noun since the 17th century. We do, however, use another word that has a "pleasing" connection and is related, albeit distantly, to "winsome." "Winning" ("tending to please or delight," as in "a winning smile" or "winning ways"), the present participle of the familiar verb "win," is from Old English winnan, meaning "to struggle." Both "winnan" and "wynn" are thought to be related to Latin venus, which means, among other things, "charm."

Examples of winsome in a Sentence

He had a winsome, boyish smile. she was a bright, winsome gamine who could draw a smile out of anyone

Recent Examples on the Web

 Sometimes, as with the winsome School of Rock and Everybody Wants Some!! — David Sims, The Atlantic, "Richard Linklater’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette Is a Gripping Mess," 16 Aug. 2019 After a certain point, a certain sameness begins to set in, but the movie merrily chugs along, powered by Moner’s winsome performance and the character’s happily feminist slant. — Randy Cordova, Detroit Free Press, "Live-action Dora the Explorer movie is surprisingly good," 8 Aug. 2019 The descent, down the Clivo di Rocca Savella pedestrian path, is equally winsome. — Washington Post, "Rome’s seven hills offer seven green respites from summer’s crowds," 12 July 2019 Watson throws in a winsome footnote for any readers who might be thinking of the dance. — Christopher Tayler, Harper's magazine, "New Books," 24 June 2019 There’s the winsome barista, Tara (Vanessa Hudgens), caught in a love triangle with a hunky vet, Dr. Mike (Michael Cassidy), and an altruistic but nerdy dog-rescue-center owner, Garrett (Jon Bass). — Katie Walsh, The Seattle Times, "Pups lift the doldrums of ‘Dog Days’," 7 Aug. 2018 Camille Preaker, our protagonist, is more winsome than Libby Day, but only incidentally (and only incrementally). — A.j. Finn, chicagotribune.com, "Gillian Flynn's 'Sharp Objects' gives women permission to be bad," 13 July 2018 Sparkling lights, winsome greenery and decorous florals abounded in the St. Charles Room of Loyola University Danna Center for the Holy Name of Jesus School's auction and gala on April 6. — Sue Strachan, NOLA.com, "Holy Name of Jesus School gala a spritely success," 8 May 2018 There is also his affecting and oh-so-recognizable account of his own conversion to Catholicism, and the usual flashes of dry wit and winsome wisdom. — Andrew Sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Pope Francis Isn’t Catholicism’s Trump," 20 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'winsome.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of winsome

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for winsome

Middle English winsum, from Old English wynsum, from wynn joy; akin to Old High German wunna joy, Latin venus desire — more at win

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More Definitions for winsome

winsome

adjective
How to pronounce winsome (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of winsome

formal : cheerful, pleasant, and appealing

See the full definition for winsome in the English Language Learners Dictionary

winsome

adjective
win·​some | \ ˈwin-səm How to pronounce winsome (audio) \

Kids Definition of winsome

: winning entry 2 sense 2

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