winsome
adjective
win·some
ˈwin(t)-səm 
1
: generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence
a winsome smile
2
winsomely
adverb
winsomeness
noun
Did you know?
Winsome comes from Old English wynn, meaning "joy" or "pleasure," which was altered in spelling to win (with the same meaning). That win is obsolete and is unrelated to today's win—referring to victory and coming from Old English winnan, "to struggle, suffer, or acquire." The adjective winning, meaning "tending to please or delight," as in "a winning smile" or "winning ways," is believed to be from the victorious win.
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
For a fragrance trend, the winsome berry has staying power, both in fragrances and on the shelves of Erewhon, where a $19 berry is currently holding court.
—
Jenny Berg, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
That track is one example of how Lisa shines brightest in the moments when her sturdy, yet winsome singing takes center stage.
—Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
At a moment when the atomization of interpersonal relationships is at the forefront of public discussion, Brennan’s winsome, melancholy-streaked portraits of city life hold particular resonance.
—Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2025
Image Image The advanced normcore case landed strongest at the showroom of Carter Altman, a winsome 26-year-old Detroit native working in London who designs under the name Carter Young.
—Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for winsome
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Jenny Berg, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
That track is one example of how Lisa shines brightest in the moments when her sturdy, yet winsome singing takes center stage.
—Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2025
At a moment when the atomization of interpersonal relationships is at the forefront of public discussion, Brennan’s winsome, melancholy-streaked portraits of city life hold particular resonance.
—Rhian Sasseen, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2025
Image Image The advanced normcore case landed strongest at the showroom of Carter Altman, a winsome 26-year-old Detroit native working in London who designs under the name Carter Young.
—Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for winsome
Articles Related to winsome
Cite this Entry
“Winsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/winsome. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
winsome
adjective
win·some
ˈwin(t)-səm
1
: having a charming or pleasing quality
a winsome smile
2
: cheerful sense 1a
a winsome mood
winsomely
adverb
winsomeness
noun
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