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

The American Apparel & Footwear Association has issued guidance to address heat stress—the first fashion trade group to set maximum workplace heat thresholds, recommend structural mitigation strategies and promote shared responsibility between buyers and suppliers. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 Apr. 2026

Engineers involved in the project say improvements in movement, cooling and structural durability will carry over into real-world uses. —Adriana James-Rodil, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

With guidance from a composites specialist contracting for SpaceX, Hazan was able to precisely control resin ratios and structural integrity. —Eric Hendrikx, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2026

In the meantime, city staff will examine other options, including structural analyses on existing buildings up for sale to possibly refurbish into a city hall. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 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