developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce developmental (audio)
Synonyms of developmentalnext
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
dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce developmental (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of developmental

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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.
The Air Force is also pursuing production while developmental testing continues, an approach the GAO says exposes the program to further cost and schedule risk. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 Freeling will have more days like this When the Panthers drafted Freeling 19th overall, it was viewed as a developmental pick. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 These youngest children typically have major language or developmental delays that are easier for parents and doctors to spot. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Her dad, Jamie Doring, said Molly has 5p-, which is a genetic disorder that causes developmental delays. — Megan Shinn, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing developmental

Rhymes for developmental

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Browse Nearby Words

development
developmental
developmental biology
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Cite this Entry

“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

developmental

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