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 releases, which also included other NXT and WWE ID (developmental) wrestlers, came with a standard 30-day non-compete clause for NXT talent.
—
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Overtime is a digital-first sports media company, and Overtime Elite is a developmental basketball league for players aged 16-19 that includes professional training, academic support, compensation and a pathway to the NBA while preserving NCAA eligibility.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds When shopping for the best gifts for 3-year-olds, there are many exciting developmental milestones to consider.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 31 Oct. 2025
Extensive fossil examination The specimen’s age was around 20 years based on evidence like growth rings, spinal fusion, and developmental anatomy.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Overtime is a digital-first sports media company, and Overtime Elite is a developmental basketball league for players aged 16-19 that includes professional training, academic support, compensation and a pathway to the NBA while preserving NCAA eligibility.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Best Gifts for 3-Year-Olds When shopping for the best gifts for 3-year-olds, there are many exciting developmental milestones to consider.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 31 Oct. 2025
Extensive fossil examination The specimen’s age was around 20 years based on evidence like growth rings, spinal fusion, and developmental anatomy.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
Cite this Entry
“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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