developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 

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

dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of developmental

• experimental
• investigative

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

But White or any other developmental prospect who shines in summer league would be more likely to get a two-way contract from the Heat. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026

Other theories suggest that certain cells within the abdomen may transform into endometrial-like tissue, while some evidence points to stem cells or developmental changes that occur before birth. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026

The Lakers finalized their two-way roster by signing sharpshooting forward AJ Okereke, joining defensive standout Mañon and MAC player of the year Peter Suder as developmental depth. — Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Charlotte Daniels provided additional music preparation, and Alex Harrington served as music director for the developmental production. — Frank Digiacomo, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing developmental

• developmental biology
• developmental disability
• developmental disorder
• evolutionary developmental biology
• pervasive developmental disorder

Rhymes for developmental

• coincidental
• environmental
• experimental
• intersegmental
• nongovernmental
• transcontinental
• unsentimental
• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental

Kids Definition

developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal -ˌvel-əp-ˈment-əl 

: of or relating to development

developmentally

-əl-ē 

adverb