First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1nurture
noun nur·ture \ˈnər-chər\
: the care and attention given to someone or something that is growing or developing
Full Definition of NURTURE
1
2
: something that nourishes : food
3
: the sum of the environmental factors influencing the behavior and traits expressed by an organism
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Origin of NURTURE
Middle English norture, nurture, from Anglo-French nureture, from Late Latin nutritura act of nursing, from Latin nutritus, past participle of nutrire to suckle, nourish — more at nourish
Other Ecology Terms
Rhymes with NURTURE
2nurture
verb
: to help (something or someone) to grow, develop, or succeed
: to take care of (someone or something that is growing or developing) by providing food, protection, a place to live, etc.
: to hold (something, such as an idea or a strong feeling) in your mind for a long time
nur·turednur·tur·ing \ˈnərch-riŋ, ˈnər-chə-\
Full Definition of NURTURE
transitive verb
1
: to supply with nourishment
2
: educate
See nurture defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of NURTURE
15th century
Related to NURTURE
Other Education Terms
NURTURE Defined for Kids
1nurture
noun nur·ture \ˈnər-chər\
Definition of NURTURE for Kids
1
: the way a person or animal was raised : upbringing
2
: something (as food) that is essential to healthy growth and development
2nurture
verb
nur·turednur·tur·ing
Definition of NURTURE for Kids
1
: to provide with things (as food and protection) essential to healthy growth and development <He was nurtured by loving parents.>
2
: to further the development of <The teacher nurtured the students' creativity.>
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