whole language
noun
: a method of teaching reading and writing that emphasizes learning whole words and phrases by encountering them in meaningful contexts rather than by phonics exercises
Examples of whole language in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In recent years, particularly after a 2020 research report and a 2022 investigative podcast brought this flawed pedagogy into the public eye, whole language has fallen out of fashion.
—
Julia Fisher,
The Atlantic,
17 Jan. 2026
The process of asking and answering is what makes the whole language transparent.
—
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
Using a blend of whole language and phonics, balanced literacy focuses on teaching students to memorize sight words and use context and picture cues to understand a word’s meaning.
—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
10 Aug. 2025
In 2013, the state of Mississippi figured this out, dropping whole language in favor of phonics.
—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 June 2025
Looking at the pictures or context of a story to guess a word — as is encouraged in whole language or balanced literacy instruction, leads to struggles with reading.
—
Jenny Gold,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Julia Fisher,
The Atlantic,
17 Jan. 2026
The process of asking and answering is what makes the whole language transparent.
—
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
Using a blend of whole language and phonics, balanced literacy focuses on teaching students to memorize sight words and use context and picture cues to understand a word’s meaning.
—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
10 Aug. 2025
In 2013, the state of Mississippi figured this out, dropping whole language in favor of phonics.
—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 June 2025
Looking at the pictures or context of a story to guess a word — as is encouraged in whole language or balanced literacy instruction, leads to struggles with reading.
—
Jenny Gold,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whole language.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whole%20language. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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