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
Families also receive support from social workers, developmental therapists, and lactation consultants, along with educational resources to help them through their NICU journey.
—
Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 10 Jan. 2026
Larkin is 29 now, which means their best chances to win (barring a major developmental breakthrough elsewhere) are likely in the next three to four years.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
At Texas, in particular, the vast majority of transfer portal entrants are depth options and developmental players.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
In High Tide Cabaret, artists with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental or neurological differences take center stage, showcasing their talents alongside peer mentors who volunteer to support and collaborate with them.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Memorialcare Medical Group, Oc Register, 10 Jan. 2026
Larkin is 29 now, which means their best chances to win (barring a major developmental breakthrough elsewhere) are likely in the next three to four years.
—Max Bultman, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026
At Texas, in particular, the vast majority of transfer portal entrants are depth options and developmental players.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
In High Tide Cabaret, artists with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental or neurological differences take center stage, showcasing their talents alongside peer mentors who volunteer to support and collaborate with them.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 8 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 12 Jan. 2026.
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