developmental
adjective
de·vel·op·men·tal
dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or being development
developmental processes
developmental biology
b
: serving economic development
developmental highways
2
: designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill)
developmental toys
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
The true placenta of the placentals allows for a longer developmental period within the protection of the womb, a factor considered to have contributed to the evolutionary success of the group.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
With the Heat, having chosen, as is their wont, to live in the moment, the developmental program seemingly has been placed on hold — at least on game nights.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
James Hauser, who has a rare genetic condition called 1p36 deletion syndrome, faces daily challenges with physical and developmental delays.
—Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects and other long-term health problems, according to the FDA.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
With the Heat, having chosen, as is their wont, to live in the moment, the developmental program seemingly has been placed on hold — at least on game nights.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
James Hauser, who has a rare genetic condition called 1p36 deletion syndrome, faces daily challenges with physical and developmental delays.
—Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects and other long-term health problems, according to the FDA.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for developmental
Cite this Entry
“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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