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 developmental vehicle returned to Earth empty, while its crew remained behind at the orbital outpost before hitching a ride home in March 2025 with Boeing's SpaceX competitor.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Researchers have identified dozens of chemicals in household dust—including lawn pesticides, heavy metals, and flame retardants—many of which have been linked to developmental and respiratory problems.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 3 June 2026
Miller isn’t the only player in this Stanley Cup Final highlighting a developmental miss by the Rangers.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Due to developmental challenges, the timeline has now been shifted toward the end of 2027, sources tell Gurman.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Researchers have identified dozens of chemicals in household dust—including lawn pesticides, heavy metals, and flame retardants—many of which have been linked to developmental and respiratory problems.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 3 June 2026
Miller isn’t the only player in this Stanley Cup Final highlighting a developmental miss by the Rangers.
—Peter Baugh, New York Times, 2 June 2026
Due to developmental challenges, the timeline has now been shifted toward the end of 2027, sources tell Gurman.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
Cite this Entry
“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
