develop

verb

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de·vel·op | \ di-ˈve-ləp

, dē- \

developed; developing; develops

Definition of develop

transitive verb

1a : to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail : expound develop a thesis

b : to make visible or manifest developed the scene in her mind

c dyeing : to treat with an agent to cause the appearance of color

d photography : to subject (exposed material) especially to chemicals in order to produce a visible image develop film also : to make visible by such a method develop pictures

e : to elaborate (a musical idea) by the working out of rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme (see theme sense 4)

2a : to work out the possibilities of develop an idea

b : to create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time develop new ways of doing business develop software

3a : to make active or promote the growth of developed his muscles developing your mental abilities

b(1) : to make available or usable develop natural resources

(2) : to make suitable for commercial or residential purposes develop land

c games : to move (a chess piece) from the original position to one providing more opportunity for effective use develop the rook

4a : to cause to evolve or unfold gradually : to lead or conduct (something) through a succession of states or changes each of which is preparatory for the next developed his argument

b : to expand by a process of growth working to develop the company further

c biology : to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind more rain will be needed to develop the plants properly

d : to become infected or affected by developed pneumonia

5 : to acquire gradually develop an appreciation for ballet

intransitive verb

1 biology

a : to go through a process of natural growth, differentiation (see differentiation sense 3), or evolution by successive changes A blossom develops from a bud.

b : to acquire secondary sex characteristics the year that her breasts fully developed

2 : to become gradually manifest the facts that developed over the next few days

3 : to come into being gradually the situation developing in eastern Europe also : turn out sense 2a it developed that no one had paid the bill

Other Words from develop Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing develop Learn More About develop

Examples of develop in a Sentence

She has been exercising regularly to develop her back muscles. The story was later developed into a novel. The island has developed its economy around tourism. The course is designed to develop your writing skills. A blossom develops from a bud. The doctor says that the child is developing normally. In this class, we will be learning about how languages develop. Scientists are developing a treatment for the disease. The company has developed a new method for recycling old tires. He develops the concept more fully in his book. See More

Recent Examples on the Web As the finance and accounting spaces change and develop, operational excellence has become a mandate. — Mike Whitmire, Forbes, 4 May 2022 The fascinating aspect of the upcoming season will be to see if Taylor and the entire organization can develop some staying power. — Paul Daugherty, The Enquirer, 4 May 2022 The commission also can require providers and insurers to develop a plan to reduce costs, as it’s doing with MGB. — Harris Meyer, Fortune, 3 May 2022 When those groups experience similar (though not the same) degrees of marginalization, their expressions of rebellion against that are likely to overlap, intertwine, and ultimately develop alongside each other. — Thalía Henao, Allure, 3 May 2022 There could be a few pop-up showers Tuesday and Wednesday as afternoon heat helps showers develop. — Jay R. Jordan, Chron, 3 May 2022 Fatty acids, which help brain development and growth, and hormones such as cortisol, which helps develop the baby's sleep cycle, come from the mother's blood, says Shenker. — Milly Chan, CNN, 3 May 2022 Having two young guys like that develop alongside Myles Garrett is a luxury. — Ashley Bastock, cleveland, 3 May 2022 McCoy continued to develop inventions, including the ironing board and the lawn sprinkler, as a consultant to engineering firms. — Melissa Noel, Essence, 2 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'develop.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near develop

develin

develop

developability

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Last Updated

7 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Develop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/develop. Accessed 16 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for develop

develop

verb

de·vel·op | \ di-ˈve-ləp

developed; developing

Kids Definition of develop

1 : to make or become plain little by little : unfold From the microscopic point of Boone's pencil there developed a most amazing scene.— Lynne Reid Banks, The Indian in the Cupboard

2 : to apply chemicals to exposed photographic material (as a film) in order to bring out the picture

3 : to bring out the possibilities of : improve develop an idea

4 : to make more available or usable develop land

5 : to begin to have gradually develop a cough

6 : to begin to exist or be present gradually A romance developed between them.

7 : to create over time develop new medicines

8 : to grow or cause to grow bigger, more mature, or more advanced He's developing his muscles with exercise.

develop

transitive verb

de·vel·op | \ di-ˈvel-əp

Medical Definition of develop

1a : to make active or promote the growth of developed their muscles by weight lifting

b : to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind the zygote is gradually developed into the adult plant or animal

2 : to become infected or affected by developed pneumonia

intransitive verb

1 : to go through a process of natural growth, differentiation, or evolution by successive stages the fever develops normally the embryo develops into a well-formed human being

2 : to acquire secondary sex characteristics she is developing rapidly for a girl of 12