developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Ravens already took one developmental offensive lineman in Emery Jones Jr. Offensive line depth was a concern, but Vinson played at the FCS level, and competing against lesser compeition may mean Vinson needs a ton of developing. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 It must be cultivated early, and parents have the ideal developmental window to teach this mindset to their children. Ruth Oh Reitmeier, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Quarterbacks taken on the third day of the draft are generally viewed as developmental players, and teams are typically reluctant to employ high-profile backup quarterbacks. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025 His ideal roster would include two to three high school players joining each year, four players retained from the previous year, three transfers, and three developmental players. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for developmental

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of developmental was in 1830

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Cite this Entry

“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

developmental

adjective
de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal -ˌvel-əp-ˈment-əl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
: of or relating to development
developmentally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on developmental

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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