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
Tony has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and a medical condition causing cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, and developmental delays, and Isaac has been diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD.
—
Austen Erblat, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Scientists Push Back Vincent Lynch, an evolutionary developmental biologist at the University at Buffalo, criticized the characterization of the dire wolf project.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Vincent Lynch, an evolutionary developmental biologist at the University at Buffalo, criticized the characterization of the dire wolf project.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Vincent Lynch, an evolutionary developmental biologist at the University at Buffalo, was blunt in his criticism.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Austen Erblat, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Scientists Push Back Vincent Lynch, an evolutionary developmental biologist at the University at Buffalo, criticized the characterization of the dire wolf project.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Vincent Lynch, an evolutionary developmental biologist at the University at Buffalo, criticized the characterization of the dire wolf project.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Vincent Lynch, an evolutionary developmental biologist at the University at Buffalo, was blunt in his criticism.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 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 24 Mar. 2026.
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