functional

adjective

func·​tion·​al ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce functional (audio)
Synonyms of functional
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
the functional differences between the departments
b
: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure
functional heart disease
2
: used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole
functional and practical school courses
also : designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.
functionally
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nə-lē How to pronounce functional (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of functional

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Examples of functional in a Sentence

The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful. The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it. The computer network is fully functional.
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.
Made from 98-percent cotton and 2-percent spandex, these pants have a slight stretch to them along with functional front and back pockets. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026 Looking ahead, Yaşar added that Maritaş expects brands to be more selective, functional and creative. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 That’s all thanks to the two fully functional USB-C connections and a Mini HDMI port. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 First, modular and multi-functional furniture will take over the outdoor category. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for functional

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of functional was in 1633

Phrases Containing functional

Rhymes for functional

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Browse Nearby Words

functionaire
functional
functional calculus
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Cite this Entry

“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

functional

adjective
func·​tion·​al ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl How to pronounce functional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
b
: affecting bodily functions but not structure
functional heart disease
2
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
functional clothes
functional writing
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
functionally
-shnə-lē How to pronounce functional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

Medical Definition

functional

adjective
func·​tion·​al ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce functional (audio)
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function compare structural sense 1
b
: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure
functional heart disease
a functional psychosis
compare organic sense 1b
2
: performing or able to perform a regular function
functionally
-ē How to pronounce functional (audio)
adverb
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