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
When to Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator Always call a wildlife rehabilitator if the bird is injured or displaying signs of distress—no matter its developmental stage.
—
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
Martin is currently on a developmental contract but Plum says hopefully not for much longer.
—John Davis, Daily News, 9 June 2026
And parents and other adults in young peoples’ lives matter during this developmental transition to adulthood, more than many realize.
—Beverly Kingston, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Both SpaceX and Blue Origin were awarded contracts through NASA's Human Landing System (HLS) program, but each has faced developmental delays that have prompted NASA's willingness to fly Artemis 3 with either or both landers, depending on their availability.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
Martin is currently on a developmental contract but Plum says hopefully not for much longer.
—John Davis, Daily News, 9 June 2026
And parents and other adults in young peoples’ lives matter during this developmental transition to adulthood, more than many realize.
—Beverly Kingston, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Both SpaceX and Blue Origin were awarded contracts through NASA's Human Landing System (HLS) program, but each has faced developmental delays that have prompted NASA's willingness to fly Artemis 3 with either or both landers, depending on their availability.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 9 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 17 Jun. 2026.
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