tropical

adjective trop·i·cal \ for sense 1 ˈträ-pi-kəl , for sense 2 ˈtrō- also ˈträ- \

Updated on: 13 May 2018

Definition of tropical

1 a : of, relating to, occurring in, or suitable for use in the tropics

tropical forests

a tropical disease

b : of, being, or characteristic of a region or climate that is frost-free with temperatures high enough to support year-round plant growth given sufficient moisture

tropical Florida

[Latin tropicus, from Greek tropikos, from tropos trope]

: figurative 2

—

tropically

play \-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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Examples of tropical in a Sentence

wanted to escape winter and visit some tropical location where freezing to death would not be a possibility
an author given to high-flown tropical phrasings and convoluted symbology

Recent Examples of tropical from the Web

Kids under age 2 free The Schaumburg Park District’s tropical-themed waterpark offers slides, a unique circular drop slide, children’s sprayground and more.

— annie alleman, chicagotribune.com, "Your guide to Chicago-area water parks," 10 May 2018
For decades, the Carter Center has worked with ministries of health in nations worldwide to track tropical disease cases and to help stop the spread of those diseases by providing health education and programs.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Jimmy Carter calls US exit from Iran nuclear deal 'serious mistake,' then talks health," 9 May 2018
Musical genres range from country and classic rock to pop and tropical/yacht rock.

— jen banowetz, Aurora Beacon-News, "Fox Valley free summer concerts move to Wednesday nights," 9 May 2018
The program has also supported research to improve tropical forest carbon inventories.

— paul voosen, Science | AAAS, "Trump White House quietly cancels NASA research verifying greenhouse gas cuts," 9 May 2018
Yoga on the Beach Spend your morning doing gentle yoga in a tropical setting.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park area events, May 9-19," 8 May 2018
Across from the swings was a basketball court, with a mural of adults and children playing in a tropical forest filled with coconut palms.

— edwidge danticat, The New Yorker, "Without Inspection," 7 May 2018
The compound features six bedrooms, six full and one half-bathrooms, a tennis court, two private white-sand beaches, a tropical garden and a 200-foot personal dock.

— maria puente, USA TODAY, "Got millions? You can bid on Prince's pricey Caribbean villa, complete with a purple driveway," 7 May 2018
Summer means tropical drinks and trips to the beach.

— korin miller, SELF, "The 11 Most Effective Tick and Mosquito Protection Tips You Need This Summer," 4 May 2018

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