developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or being development

developmental processes

developmental biology

broadly : experimental sense 2

developmental aircraft

b

: serving economic development

developmental highways

2

: designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill)

developmental toys

developmentally

dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of developmental

• experimental
• investigative

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

At 21, Dillingham is another addition who fits the profile of young developmental players who can slot into the timeline alongside Buzelis and Giddey. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

Rest assured, this is usually totally typical developmental behavior. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 Feb. 2026

With her aggression, athleticism and family story, WWE was impressed, inking her to a developmental contract in 2023. —James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2026

The Heat also could replace Rozier with a prospect on a multiyear contract, as a means of furthering the team’s developmental program. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing developmental

• developmental biology
• developmental disability
• developmental disorder
• evolutionary developmental biology
• pervasive developmental disorder

Rhymes for developmental

• coincidental
• environmental
• experimental
• intersegmental
• nongovernmental
• transcontinental
• unsentimental
• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental

Kids Definition

developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal -ˌvel-əp-ˈment-əl 

: of or relating to development

developmentally

-əl-ē 

adverb