developmental
adjective
de·vel·op·men·tal
dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or being development
developmental processes
developmental biology
b
: serving economic development
developmental highways
2
: designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill)
developmental toys
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
The Heat’s two two-way contract players are forward Myron Gardner and center Vlad Goldin, with the third two-way slot still open to sign another developmental prospect.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered that jewel wasps can dramatically extend their lifespans by undergoing a natural developmental pause known as diapause.
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
From a developmental standpoint, Gardner notes that AI’s lack of true authority can confuse younger learners.
—C.m. Rubin, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
With improvements to their respective slider and changeup, these two pitchers are on a solid developmental arc that can lend to improved results with, and for, the Royals.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered that jewel wasps can dramatically extend their lifespans by undergoing a natural developmental pause known as diapause.
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
From a developmental standpoint, Gardner notes that AI’s lack of true authority can confuse younger learners.
—C.m. Rubin, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
With improvements to their respective slider and changeup, these two pitchers are on a solid developmental arc that can lend to improved results with, and for, the Royals.
—Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
Cite this Entry
“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.
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