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
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.
In Mashhad, these took place near the Imam Reza Shrine—the city’s focal monument and a center of pilgrimage and religious observance—during daylight hours. Davood Moradian, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 Move the focal away from the TV to shift the room's perspective. Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 22 Jan. 2026 Now, private and serene secondary spaces orbit focal gathering spots. David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026 The Knicks acquired Towns in a blockbuster deal that sent Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the star big man to play a focal role in the offense. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for focal

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal was in 1676

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Focal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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