ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃənl̟ 
British ˌkɒnstəˈtjuːʃənl̟
1
always used before a noun
: of or relating to the system of beliefs and laws that govern a country : of or relating to a constitution
She is in favor of a constitutional amendment [=an amendment to the constitution] to overturn the unpopular law.
constitutional law
2
: allowed by a country's constitution
That kind of punishment is not constitutional. [=is not allowed by the constitution]
the constitutional guarantee of free speech
a constitutional right to vote
3
a
: of or relating to the health and strength of a person's body
Constitutional symptoms of the disease include headache and fever.
b
: of or relating to a person's basic nature or character
He has a constitutional dislike of controversy.
plural constitutionals
old-fashioned
: a brief walk that you take to improve your health
She's gone out for her morning constitutional.
Cite this Entry
“Constitutional.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/constitutional. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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