functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 
1
2
: used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole
functional and practical school courses
also
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.
Examples of functional in a Sentence
The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful.
The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it.
The computer network is fully functional.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Juno 2 is the rare boot that manages to be rugged, functional and genuinely sleek.
—
Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
From fabric to functional tech Wearable electronics have faced a consistent challenge because clothing bends, stretches, and undergoes frequent physical stress that traditional circuits cannot handle.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025
Perhaps most importantly, maintaining muscle preserves your functional independence.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
Since the Moredcai founder took the helm in November, the Quebec company is working to expand beyond its identity as a functional outerwear brand—becoming more of a luxury lifestyle one, at large, instead.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
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Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
From fabric to functional tech Wearable electronics have faced a consistent challenge because clothing bends, stretches, and undergoes frequent physical stress that traditional circuits cannot handle.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025
Perhaps most importantly, maintaining muscle preserves your functional independence.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
Since the Moredcai founder took the helm in November, the Quebec company is working to expand beyond its identity as a functional outerwear brand—becoming more of a luxury lifestyle one, at large, instead.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 9 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
b
: affecting bodily functions but not structure
functional heart disease
2
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
functional clothes
functional writing
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
Medical Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function compare structural sense 1
b
: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure
functional heart disease
a functional psychosis
compare organic sense 1b
2
: performing or able to perform a regular function
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