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
Materia is a functional and inclusive fashion brand that merges aesthetics with accessible design, leveraging adaptive constructions and ergonomic design principles.
—
Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 28 May 2026
Salt & Stone thrives in a hybrid space between functional, clean beauty and fragrance categories.
—Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Bepi recipients who started the study with lower levels of that S protein were slightly more likely to achieve a functional cure, Lim said.
—CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Some reports estimate Cuba has 144 launchers, and open-source intelligence suggests portions of the system received Belarusian upgrades in recent years to remain functional.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional
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Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 28 May 2026
Salt & Stone thrives in a hybrid space between functional, clean beauty and fragrance categories.
—Clara Ludmir, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Bepi recipients who started the study with lower levels of that S protein were slightly more likely to achieve a functional cure, Lim said.
—CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Some reports estimate Cuba has 144 launchers, and open-source intelligence suggests portions of the system received Belarusian upgrades in recent years to remain functional.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 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 29 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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