structural

adjective

struc·​tur·​al ˈstrək-chə-rəl How to pronounce structural (audio)
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
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.
What Happens Next Trump’s ballroom represents the first structural changes made to the White House since the Truman Balcony was added in 1948. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 The ballroom will be the biggest structural change to the Executive Mansion since the addition in 1948 of the Truman Balcony overlooking the South Lawn, even dwarfing the residence itself. Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025 These structural changes had the overall effect of improving the ability of infected ants to isolate themselves, which Stroeymeyt had documented previously. NPR, 21 Oct. 2025 Other higher-risk groups include those with congenital heart defects or disorders, structural heart problems, or a history of coronary artery disease or heart failure. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for structural

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of structural was in 1801

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Structural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/structural. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

structural

adjective
struc·​tur·​al ˈstrək-chə-rəl How to pronounce structural (audio)
ˈstrək-shrəl
1
: of, relating to, or affecting structure
structural weaknesses
2
: used or formed for use in construction
structural steel
structurally
adverb

Medical Definition

structural

adjective
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on structural

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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