develops; developed; developing
1
a
: to cause (something) to grow or become bigger or more advanced
She has been exercising regularly to develop her back muscles.
The story was later developed into a novel.
The island has developed its economy around tourism.
The course is designed to develop your writing skills.
b
: to grow or become bigger or more advanced
A blossom develops from a bud.
The doctor says that the child is developing normally.
In this class, we will be learning about how languages develop.
—often + intoIn a short time, the town developed into a city.
2
: to create (something) over a period of time
Scientists are developing a treatment for the disease.
The company has developed a new method for recycling old tires.
3
: to make (an idea, argument, theory, etc.) easier to understand by giving more information
He develops the concept/theory more fully in his book.
You need to develop your argument more.
4
: to gradually begin to exist
A dangerous situation is developing.
Romantic relationships often develop between coworkers.
Towns developed along this trade route hundreds of years ago.
5
: to gradually begin to have (something)
As he grew older he developed [=acquired] a taste for expensive wines.
She developed an interest in music when she was just a child.
He developed a close relationship with her.
6
: to begin to suffer from or be affected by (an illness, problem, etc.)
people who develop cancer late in life
The patient later developed a cough.
At some point the pipe developed a leak.
7
chiefly US
: to become known or understood
The facts of what had happened slowly developed over the next several days.
It eventually developed [=turned out] that he had forgotten to mail the package.
8
a
: to build houses or other buildings on (land)
A builder wants to develop a large piece of land along the river.
b
: to make (something) available for use
The government plans to develop the natural resources of this region.
9
: to make a photograph from (film) by using special chemicals and a special process
Our vacation pictures should be developed by tomorrow.
Did you get the film developed yet?
Cite this Entry
“Develop.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/develop. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.
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