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whole

whole [ hōl ]

adjective

Definition:

1. entire: complete, including all parts or aspects, with nothing left out

2. undivided: not divided into parts or not regarded as consisting of separate parts

3. relating to duration or extent: relating to or representing the full duration or extent of something

stayed up the whole night

4. unbroken: not damaged or broken

not a single item of furniture left whole

5. unimpaired: not wounded, impaired, or incapacitated

no longer a whole man

6. healed or healthy: healed or restored to health physically or psychologically

made him whole again

7. having parents in common: having both parents in common with your siblings

a whole sister

8. not fractional: containing no fractions or decimals

adverb

Definition:

1. as single piece: in a single piece

Many snakes swallow their food whole.

2. completely: completely and in every way ( informal )

a whole different approach

noun (plural wholes)

Definition:

1. something complete: something that is complete and has no parts missing

2. single entity or unit: something regarded as a single and complete unit or entity, as opposed to a set of components

[ Old English hāl< Indo-European, "sound, propitious"]

whole·ness noun

as a whole as a single and complete entity

on the whole

1. as a rule or in general

2. taking all relevant factors into account

Spelling Note


	See hole.

Word History


	The prehistoric Germanic word from which whole is derived, is also the source of English hale¹, hallow, heal, health, and holy.