focal

adjective

fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally
ˈfō-kə-lē How to pronounce focal (audio)
adverb

Examples of focal in a Sentence

a focal figure in the movement
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.
It is not known for being the focal center of humidity across the United States. — Ben Noll, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026 Yet a paper published last week found that half the patients receiving focal therapy had either higher-risk or lower-risk cancers, including patients that guidelines say require no immediate treatment and should be followed with active surveillance. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 The city hired a design team for the Southwest Park playground in May 2025, intending for the playground to be a focal piece for the city’s entire suite of parks. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026 Constantly shifting your eyes between different focal depths can cause significant eye fatigue. — New Atlas, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for focal

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal was in 1676

Phrases Containing focal

Rhymes for focal

See All Rhymes for focal

Browse Nearby Words

focaccia
focal
focal area
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, or having a focus
focally
-kə-lē How to pronounce focal (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally
-kə-lē How to pronounce focal (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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