develop

verb

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

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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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Not-so-close matches, such as Thailand’s 13-0 devastating loss to the Americans, showed developing programs what can be accomplished with increased support. — Alicia Delgallo, Pro Soccer USA, "2019 World Cup could revolutionize women’s soccer globally," 7 July 2019 The training for business owners—628 of them so far—involves modules in product innovation, management, accounting, and developing winning strategies. — Abdi Latif Dahir, Quartz Africa, "Top American universities are doubling down on their presence across Africa," 5 July 2019 Because of this trend, the food industry has embarked on a quest to find or develop the perfect substitute to replace sugar—with the same taste and none of the calories that lead to weight gain. — Jamie Pitlick, Quartzy, "The best and worst sugar substitutes for your health," 3 July 2019 Because Becky worries about the ecosystem of sand dunes and beach plants, the Gochmans didn’t develop much of their property. — Jesse Kornbluth, ELLE Decor, "Designer Tom Scheerer Creates an Open and Livable Oceanfront House in Palm Beach," 27 June 2019 This potato salad was actually developed with the idea that each has something to give. — Emma Wartzman, Bon Appétit, "Wait, Can I Substitute Onion Powder for Fresh Onions?," 26 June 2019 The four-day Madeira Wine Festival this month aims to unpack this unusual tradition, showcasing how the islanders developed its unique oxidation process six centuries ago. — Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Places to Visit in August," 26 June 2019 Easier to use There are other companies developing similar services. — Nir Kshetri, Quartz India, "Facebook’s cryptocurrency, Libra, could be a boon for developing nations like India," 26 June 2019 Representatives of Caterpillar, another manufacturer whose trucks have been involved in collisions, did not respond to requests for comment, although the company has also developed blind spot cameras and sensors. — Mark Olalde, AZCentral.com, "Backup cameras would save miners' lives. So why are mines fighting against using them?," 26 June 2019

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

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Last Updated

12 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for develop

The first known use of develop was in 1714

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More Definitions for develop

develop

verb

English Language Learners Definition of develop

: to cause (something) to grow or become bigger or more advanced

: to grow or become bigger or more advanced

: to create (something) over a period of time

See the full definition for develop in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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