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 Patriots could use a high-upside developmental cornerback behind starters Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III.
—
Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Denver swung on Alabama’s Que Robinson as a developmental prospect in the fourth round last year on sheer upside, and Capehart could be a similar interior fit in this class.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
Levesque, who is now the chief content officer for WWE, and Michaels, the head of creative for WWE’s developmental brand NXT, are both Hall of Famers with legendary in-ring careers.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
After missing time early in spring practices, the Robbinsdale Cooper alum will need to continue to take another developmental step to round out the group.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Denver swung on Alabama’s Que Robinson as a developmental prospect in the fourth round last year on sheer upside, and Capehart could be a similar interior fit in this class.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026
Levesque, who is now the chief content officer for WWE, and Michaels, the head of creative for WWE’s developmental brand NXT, are both Hall of Famers with legendary in-ring careers.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
After missing time early in spring practices, the Robbinsdale Cooper alum will need to continue to take another developmental step to round out the group.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 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 21 Apr. 2026.
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