structural

adjective

struc·​tur·​al ˈstrək-chə-rəl 

ˈstrək-shrəl

1

: of or relating to the physical makeup of a plant or animal body

structural defects of the heart

2

a

: of, relating to, or affecting structure

structural stability

b

: used in building structures

structural clay

c

: involved in or caused by structure especially of the economy

structural unemployment

3

: of, relating to, or resulting from the effects of folding or faulting of the earth's crust : tectonic

4

: concerned with or relating to structure rather than history or comparison

structural linguistics

structurally adverb

Examples of structural in a Sentence

The house suffered no structural damage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Parents in the Monessen City School District raised concerns with the school board Monday night, 24 hours after a KDKA investigation aired where a whistleblower revealed mold, moisture and structural problems inside the middle-high school. — CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

Reflecting on this structural evolution, Harris explained that while explainer journalism remains deeply rooted in his identity, his underlying creative goals demanded a broader perspective. — Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

Plans called for manufacturing structural beams in orbit and deploying a solar array, combining 3D printing with robotic manipulation. — New Atlas, 10 Nov. 2026

That estimate is nearly four times the structural budget gap projected for the fiscal 2028 budget to be introduced in January. — Bryan P. Sears, Baltimore Sun, 10 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing structural

• structural formula
• structural gene
• structural isomer
• structural racism
• structural steel

Rhymes for structural

• infrastructural
• microstructural
• ultrastructural
• nonstructural

Kids Definition

structural

adjective

struc·​tur·​al ˈstrək-chə-rəl 

ˈstrək-shrəl

1

: of, relating to, or affecting structure

structural weaknesses

2

: used or formed for use in construction

structural steel

structurally

-ē

adverb

Medical Definition

structural

adjective

struc·​tur·​al ˈstrək-chə-rəl, ˈstrək-shrəl 

1

: of or relating to the physical makeup of a plant or animal body

structural defects of the heart

compare functional sense 1a

2

: of, relating to, or affecting structure

structural stability

structurally

-ē 

adverb