developmental disorder

noun

plural developmental disorders
: a condition (such as autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia) that is typically marked by delayed development or impaired function especially in learning, language, communication, cognition, behavior, socialization, or mobility : developmental disability
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a group of developmental disorders that include a wide range of symptoms, skills and levels of disability.—Meredith Moss

Examples of developmental disorder in a Sentence

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.
Here's a closer look at the developmental disorder What is acetaminophen? — Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025 Cell size plays a critical role in conditions such as cancer, anemia, and developmental disorders. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025 The study involved 28 children being treated by a doctor in Germany for a range of developmental disorders, including autism. — Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026 Earlier research has suggested that pregnant women's exposure to air pollution more broadly, including smog spewed by vehicles, smoke stacks and lead, may be linked to the developmental disorder. — Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for developmental disorder

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of developmental disorder was in 1919

Rhymes for developmental disorder

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Browse Nearby Words

developmental disability
developmental disorder
developmentalist
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Cite this Entry

“Developmental disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental%20disorder. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

developmental disorder

noun
: a condition (such as autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia) that is typically marked by delayed development or impaired function especially in learning, language, communication, cognition, behavior, socialization, or mobility : developmental disability
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