functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 
1
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.
Examples of functional in a Sentence
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
This reflects a flawed value system prioritizing clean jobs over functional ones.
—
Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Cute Car Decor Ideas As with any room in your home, the first step in transforming your car’s interior into a chic and functional haven is deciding on the theme or style.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
Until the lots have been cleared, no one has completed an inspection to determine whether the septic systems remain functional.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
April 23 India downgrades diplomatic ties, closes the only functional land border crossing, and suspends a crucial water-sharing treaty that has survived two wars and a major border skirmish between the two countries.
—Riazat Butt, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
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.
Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Cute Car Decor Ideas As with any room in your home, the first step in transforming your car’s interior into a chic and functional haven is deciding on the theme or style.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
Until the lots have been cleared, no one has completed an inspection to determine whether the septic systems remain functional.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
April 23 India downgrades diplomatic ties, closes the only functional land border crossing, and suspends a crucial water-sharing treaty that has survived two wars and a major border skirmish between the two countries.
—Riazat Butt, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
b
: affecting bodily functions but not structure
functional heart disease
2
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
functional clothes
functional writing
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
Medical Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl
1
a
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share