focal

adjective

fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally adverb

Examples of focal in a Sentence

a focal figure in the movement
Recent Examples on the Web Then, when Okwara moved into his new home and began collaborating with Jonsson, neither was sure of what to place atop the focal mantelpiece. Nick Mafi, Architectural Digest, 23 Sep. 2024 Why do execs detest flexible work? Hybrid work can be a successful boost to productivity if managed well, said Bock, pointing to early studies, work from companies like Atlassian that host community events, and the success of employers implementing focal days. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2024 This is especially true of focal seizures, which originate in only one part of your brain. Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024 Kelly, 60, represents a border state and is a bit of a hawk on immigration and border security, which could deflect one of the Trump campaign's focal attack points against Harris. Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY, 4 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for focal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'focal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near focal

Cite this Entry

“Focal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, or having a focus
focally adverb

Medical Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on focal

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