1
: of, relating to, or fixed by position
positional astronomy
2
: involving little movement
positional warfare
3
: dependent on position or environment or context
the front-articulated \k\ in \kē\ key and the back-articulated \k\ in \kül\ cool are positional variants
positionally adverb

Examples of positional 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.
The positional move, along with his developing body, set the stage for his creative style of play. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 Marks has spent the last two drafts adding young players with size, skill and positional flexibility. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 Adding to the positional crunch is the fact that Anthony Davis has been linked as a requisite addition if James were to sign. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 Much like their left side, Spain used their positional principles to rotate Porro and Yamal in each channel on the right flank when going forward. Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for positional

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of positional was circa 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Positional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positional. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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