developmental
adjective
de·vel·op·men·tal
dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or being development
developmental processes
developmental biology
b
: serving economic development
developmental highways
2
: designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill)
developmental toys
Examples of developmental in a Sentence
A drop in temperature can slow the plant's developmental process.
a child with developmental abnormalities
My theory is still in its developmental stage.
Recent Examples on the Web
Another recommendation: that judges, lawyers and jail staff complete a 40-hour course intended to teach strategies to de-escalate and resolve crisis situations involving individuals with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities.
—
Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Now children are able to attend developmental sessions at a local facility, with support from UNICEF and the Association of Preschool Educators.
—Unicef Usa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
When Brand was growing up, the developmental path in basketball went like this: knock on the door of your neighborhood recreation center and learn the game under mentorship of a trusted coach and teacher.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025
The native of Badalona, Spain, played for the Joventut Badalona youth developmental team and helped Spain’s under-19 team win the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Hungary.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Now children are able to attend developmental sessions at a local facility, with support from UNICEF and the Association of Preschool Educators.
—Unicef Usa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
When Brand was growing up, the developmental path in basketball went like this: knock on the door of your neighborhood recreation center and learn the game under mentorship of a trusted coach and teacher.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025
The native of Badalona, Spain, played for the Joventut Badalona youth developmental team and helped Spain’s under-19 team win the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Hungary.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
Cite this Entry
“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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