developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or being development
developmental processes
developmental biology
broadly : experimental sense 2
developmental aircraft
b
: serving economic development
developmental highways
2
: designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill)
developmental toys
developmentally adverb

Examples of developmental in a Sentence

A drop in temperature can slow the plant's developmental process. a child with developmental abnormalities My theory is still in its developmental stage.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There is developmental receiving upside on the roster with Ladd McConkey, who was good as a rookie and can be better this year, and Quentin Johnston. Kc Joyner, New York Times, 23 July 2025 The compromise could be another center on a two-way deal, even with Goldin in place as a developmental project. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2025 Screens can be essential for families and children with significant developmental differences (e.g., adaptive communication devices for people with apraxia). Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025 Researchers reported that all eight babies were healthy at birth, meeting their developmental milestones. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for developmental

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of developmental was in 1830

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Cite this Entry

“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

developmental

adjective
de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal -ˌvel-əp-ˈment-əl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
: of or relating to development
developmentally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on developmental

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