functional

adjective

func·tion·al | \ ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl

, -shə-nᵊl\

Definition of functional

1a : of, connected with, or being a function the functional differences between the departments

b : affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure functional heart disease

2 : used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole functional and practical school courses also : designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.

3 : performing or able to perform a regular function The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.

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Examples of functional in a Sentence

They worked outside, so they preferred wearing functional clothes. The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful. The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it. The computer network is fully functional.

Recent Examples on the Web

Residents hope the community center there will be functional for use as a school by this fall. — Anchorage Daily News, "Relocation of erosion-threatened Alaska village progresses to ‘sprint’ pace this summer," 29 June 2019 Every part of the house is functional; there’s no big foyer or formal dining room. — Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, "Cozy Oldham County cottage impressed Lifetime enough to be featured in a movie," 13 June 2019 About 3 million to 4 million years ago, a few million years after our own lineage split from other apes, a second mutation activated the once non-functional code. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "State of Science: Finding Human Ancestors in New Places," 15 Jan. 2019 Before the Pixel launcher was only a small stub application that was enabled the Google apps' launcher functionality, but now the Pixel launcher is actually gaining functional code. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "Android P Preview 2 hands on—New recent apps, awful gesture nav, and more!," 14 May 2018 As with their bathtub systems, the highest-grade, durable vinyl in the industry is used to in their stylish, functional and incredibly durable shower systems. — Stepfanie Romine, Cincinnati.com, "Remodel your bathroom — for less money, with less mess and in less time," 10 June 2019 Designed by Richard Carlson in 1980, this vintage travel cooler is equally functional and adorable. — Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, "This Vintage Wine Cooler Is My Ultimate Summer Accessory," 10 June 2019 Maximum functional and aesthetic coherence is crucial at the Manufactory, which opened this spring at the Row DTLA. — Jessica Ritz, latimes.com, "The Manufactory: A new culinary anchor in the Arts District," 10 June 2019 Therese shared her expertise through volunteer work throughout CT in emergency preparedness, evacuation, and sheltering for people with functional and access needs. — courant.com, "Therese Anne Nadeau," 9 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'functional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near functional

functional determinant

functional finance

Statistics for functional

Last Updated

3 Jul 2019

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Time Traveler for functional

The first known use of functional was in 1633

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More Definitions for functional

functional

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of functional

: designed to have a practical use

medical : affecting the way a part of your body works

: working properly

See the full definition for functional in the English Language Learners Dictionary

functional

adjective

func·tion·al | \ ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl

Medical Definition of functional

1a : of, connected with, or being a function — compare structural sense 1

b : affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure functional heart disease a functional psychosis — compare organic sense 1b

2 : performing or able to perform a regular function