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 researchers called for further studies examining whether the frequency of parental cannabis use, cannabis use disorder, household exposure and storage practices are associated with children's health or developmental outcomes. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 The developmental flight test marked a significant step because the RIG-360 system and a PAC-3 missile communicated with each other during flight. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026 Rookie Jack Strand's role as a developmental player won't change as long as the Falcons keep four quarterbacks. — ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026 However, some children are placed in caregiving roles, taking on responsibilities beyond their developmental readiness. — Parents, 17 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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