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
According to a patent and early developmental descriptions, EPIC was designed to use radio-frequency energy to disrupt the vestibular system, which governs balance and spatial orientation.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Even at low levels, lead in a child’s bloodstream can cause developmental issues, the EPA’s website says.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
The minor-league American Hockey League primarily serves as a developmental league for the National Hockey League, and that development can come with various ups and downs.
—Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
After starting off as a video analyst for United and then head coach of the Loons’ developmental team, Knowles has been promoted to lead the first team with a multi-year contract starting this season.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Even at low levels, lead in a child’s bloodstream can cause developmental issues, the EPA’s website says.
—R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
The minor-league American Hockey League primarily serves as a developmental league for the National Hockey League, and that development can come with various ups and downs.
—Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
After starting off as a video analyst for United and then head coach of the Loons’ developmental team, Knowles has been promoted to lead the first team with a multi-year contract starting this season.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 13 Jan. 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 22 Jan. 2026.
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