holism
noun
ho·lism
ˈhō-ˌli-zəm 
1
: a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles
2
: a study or method of treatment that is concerned with wholes or with complete systems : a holistic study or method of treatment
Examples of holism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Image Image On another bright morning last summer, Bolger took Benjamina to Concord’s North Bridge, for a holistic lesson but also a lesson in holism.
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Joseph Bernstein Robert Petkoff Krish Seenivasan Devin Murphy, New York Times, 3 June 2024
Instagram Holistic is the adjective form of holism, which the dictionary reminds us is a study or method of treatment that’s concerned with wholes and complete systems, more than the mere sum of elementary particles.
—Ben Court, Men's Health, 22 Dec. 2022
No creature better exemplifies the holism of nature than freshwater eels.
—David Doubilet, National Geographic, 12 June 2019
If man comforts himself in realizable ideals, he will be drawn from individualism into a passive, Eastern holism.
—Sahil Handa, National Review, 4 June 2019
There's loads of omm-ing at this legendary house of holism.
—Dana Wood, Town & Country, 13 Mar. 2015
The cover of the first issue was an image of the earth — another sphere — taken from space, exemplifying its spirit of holism.
—Nikil Saval, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2016
Joseph Bernstein Robert Petkoff Krish Seenivasan Devin Murphy, New York Times, 3 June 2024
Instagram Holistic is the adjective form of holism, which the dictionary reminds us is a study or method of treatment that’s concerned with wholes and complete systems, more than the mere sum of elementary particles.
—Ben Court, Men's Health, 22 Dec. 2022
No creature better exemplifies the holism of nature than freshwater eels.
—David Doubilet, National Geographic, 12 June 2019
If man comforts himself in realizable ideals, he will be drawn from individualism into a passive, Eastern holism.
—Sahil Handa, National Review, 4 June 2019
There's loads of omm-ing at this legendary house of holism.
—Dana Wood, Town & Country, 13 Mar. 2015
The cover of the first issue was an image of the earth — another sphere — taken from space, exemplifying its spirit of holism.
—Nikil Saval, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2016
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Holism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holism. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
holism
noun
ho·lism
ˈhō-ˌliz-əm
1
: a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interacting wholes (as of living organisms) that are more than the mere sum of elementary particles
2
: a holistic study or method of treatment
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