optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
: involving an option : not compulsory
optionality noun
optionally adverb

Examples of optional in a Sentence

Jackets are required at the restaurant, but ties are optional. Many optional features are available on this car. Registration is optional, not mandatory.
Recent Examples on the Web Plus, the music—and the multi-color light—are optional. Christin Perry, Parents, 10 May 2024 Back at the Phoenix, a Young & Co.’s Brewery Plc pub, an order for two pints of Camden Hells lager comes to £14.60 ($18.30), with an optional tip of 12.5%, 15% or 20% suggested by the card reader. Anthony Palazzo, Fortune Europe, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for optional 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'optional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optional was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near optional

Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 16 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

optional

adjective
op·​tion·​al ˈäp-shnəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on optional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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