developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or being development
developmental processes
developmental biology
broadly : experimental sense 2
developmental aircraft
b
: serving economic development
developmental highways
2
: designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill)
developmental toys
developmentally adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lead can harm the brain and nervous systems and lead to developmental problems like growth and speech. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 Kasten said there have been discussions about playing exhibition games in Europe within the next two years, as well as building ties with European leagues for developmental purposes and even of one day establishing teams there. John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 Even low levels of lead exposure could put children at risk of developmental delays, learning difficulties and behavioral issues. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 22 May 2025 In-house, the only developmental left tackle prospects the Bills have are 2024 sixth-round pick Tylan Grable and Ryan Van Demark, who Grable passed on the depth chart last year. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for developmental

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of developmental was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

developmental

adjective
de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal -ˌvel-əp-ˈment-əl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
: of or relating to development
developmentally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on developmental

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