functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 
1
2
: used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole
functional and practical school courses
also
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.
Examples of functional in a Sentence
The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful.
The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it.
The computer network is fully functional.
Recent Examples on the Web
Custom cabinets usually address specific aesthetic, functional, and spatial requirements of homeowners and businesses.
—
Lauren Carpenter, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Hospitals have not been spared; most are no longer functional.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
The mat is designed to be both functional and stylish and features a foldable design that allows for easy storage and portability.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2025
This feature requires you to identify AVG as your default browser while leaving your actual default browser functional.
—PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
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Lauren Carpenter, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Hospitals have not been spared; most are no longer functional.
—Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
The mat is designed to be both functional and stylish and features a foldable design that allows for easy storage and portability.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2025
This feature requires you to identify AVG as your default browser while leaving your actual default browser functional.
—PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
b
: affecting bodily functions but not structure
functional heart disease
2
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
functional clothes
functional writing
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
Medical Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function compare structural sense 1
b
: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure
functional heart disease
a functional psychosis
compare organic sense 1b
2
: performing or able to perform a regular function
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