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

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
The front pocket adds a functional element to the otherwise simple design, and the button-closer cuffs can create a sleek look or allow the sleeves to be rolled up for versatility. — Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 High performers are the ones most often asked to manage difficult clients, resolve cross-functional conflict, make judgment calls and handle ambiguous challenges. — Kim Meninger, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Caroll designed the interiors herself, channeling the minimal, functional elements of Bauhaus, Scandinavian, and Japanese design. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026 Elsewhere on Solano, Abrams Claghorn Gallery & Shop showcases both functional art and multimedia work handcrafted by Bay Area makers. — Barbara Noe Kennedy, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 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

See All Rhymes for functional

Browse Nearby Words

functionaire
functional
functional calculus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

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

More from Merriam-Webster on functional

Nglish: Translation of functional for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of sultry

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All