English Dictionary

Definition of “winsome

winsome (ˈwɪnsəmPronunciation for winsome

Definitions

adjective

  1. charming; winning; engaging  ⇒ a winsome smile 

Alternative Forms

ˈwinsomely adverb ˈwinsomeness noun

Word Origin

Old English wynsum,  from wynn  joy (related to Old High German wunnia,  German Wonne ) + -sum-someOld English from joy (related to Old High German German ) + 1

Usage examples

  • She was twenty-two years old, but her girlish mannerisms and winsome personality made her seem younger.
    Adair, Tom (Intro), Three Kinds of Kissing - Scottish Short Stories (1993)
  • The jasmine tea flows freely from the hands of winsome stewardess and the fortune cookies in a container emit mysterious wreaths of vapour.
    India Today (1998)
  • So, now you're probably wondering if there is a sitcom tonight with winsome young people being tremendously witty.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Clunes is an adaptable and sympathetic comic actor, and can do winsome in the best SAS sense of the word.
    Times, Sunday Times (2004)
  • Whatever we think of the pros and cons of his message, Derrida himself is engagingly winsome.
    Gillett, David & Scott-Joynt, Michael (eds.), Treasure in the Field (1993)

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