functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 
1
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.
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
Each robot undergoes over 80 functional tests, including stress and burn-in exercises such as squats and jogging, to eliminate early failures.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
The company has a $125-per-month program fee that gives patients access to a care team, including a registered nurse, a functional nutritionist, and a care coordinator, as well as the company’s tech platform and the ability to chat with the care team between visits.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 30 Apr. 2026
What makes Bang for Buck different is that the functional aspect is underpinned by manufacturer-level facility specifications, such as operating data, equipment type, capacity and operating hours, said Kritika Chauhan, senior manager of sustainability and innovations at Shahi Exports.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
Adorned with a darling floral print and fitted with two deep side pockets, this mini is both flattering and functional.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
The company has a $125-per-month program fee that gives patients access to a care team, including a registered nurse, a functional nutritionist, and a care coordinator, as well as the company’s tech platform and the ability to chat with the care team between visits.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 30 Apr. 2026
What makes Bang for Buck different is that the functional aspect is underpinned by manufacturer-level facility specifications, such as operating data, equipment type, capacity and operating hours, said Kritika Chauhan, senior manager of sustainability and innovations at Shahi Exports.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
Adorned with a darling floral print and fitted with two deep side pockets, this mini is both flattering and functional.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl
-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
Medical Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl
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
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