1
: relating to what is real rather than to what is possible or imagined
We can speculate about the future, but on a more practical level, we have to admit that we simply don't know what will happen.
An engineer will address the design's practical problems.
She has a lot of practical experience in dealing with these kinds of problems.
The practical [=actual] effect of the change has been very slight.
2
a
: likely to succeed and reasonable to do or use
The book suggests some practical ways to save money.
practical solutions to complicated problems
He thinks wind can be a practical source of renewable energy.
b
: appropriate or suited for actual use
The machine is too big to be practical for most private homes.
The shoes are nice, but they're not very practical.
c
: relating to what can or should be done in an actual situation
The book is a practical guide to car care.
He gave me some practical advice/help on finding a job.
One of the practical advantages of living in the city is that you have access to public transportation.
I have enough practical knowledge of German to get by.
d
: logical and reasonable in a particular situation
We could try to continue, but it's more practical to start over.
We left early for practical reasons—there's less traffic then and it's cooler.
3
of a person
a
: tending to make good decisions and to deal with daily life in a sensible way
He is a very practical person with no interest in expensive cars or clothes.
Try to be more practical about money.
b
: good at making or repairing things
My husband is not very practical around the house.
plural practicals
chiefly British
: an examination in which students have to do or make something to show what they have learned
We have our zoology practicals next week.
Cite this Entry
“Practical.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/practical. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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