developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
Synonyms of developmentalnext
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 adverb

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
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.
Two months later, a new drivers facility was opened within Communities Transform Futures, or CTF Illinois, a nonprofit organization that offers day programs to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026 Most of the time, this is a normal developmental response that doesn't warrant concern. Christin Perry, Parents, 12 Mar. 2026 Union-Tribune draft expert Eddie Brown believes a team could go after Cooper as a developmental player on the D-line who could make an immediate contribution on special teams. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 They’ve been linked to immune suppression, cancer and reproductive and developmental health disruptions and toxicity. Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for developmental

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of developmental was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

developmental

adjective
de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal -ˌvel-əp-ˈment-əl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
: of or relating to development
developmentally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on developmental

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