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
The move follows the organization's decision to trade veteran Joe Flacco — a deal that instantly reshuffled the depth chart and forced the Browns into more of a developmental path rather than immediate contention.
—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Supporting and increasing services for young kids with developmental challenges like autism in Detroit will also be essential, wrote Caringi and Weathington.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Along the way, Phillips could further hone his game on the Korn Ferry Tour, a developmental professional tour, and maybe also find an avenue to the PGA through Q School tournaments.
—Alex Valdes, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Busu has also dedicated a page on her business website to highlight key developmental milestones that parents should monitor in their children.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Supporting and increasing services for young kids with developmental challenges like autism in Detroit will also be essential, wrote Caringi and Weathington.
—Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Along the way, Phillips could further hone his game on the Korn Ferry Tour, a developmental professional tour, and maybe also find an avenue to the PGA through Q School tournaments.
—Alex Valdes, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Busu has also dedicated a page on her business website to highlight key developmental milestones that parents should monitor in their children.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 23 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2025.
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