structural
adjective
struc·tur·al
ˈstrək-chə-rəl 
ˈstrək-shrəl
1
: of or relating to the physical makeup of a plant or animal body
structural defects of the heart
2
a
: of, relating to, or affecting structure
structural stability
b
: used in building structures
structural clay
c
: involved in or caused by structure especially of the economy
structural unemployment
3
: of, relating to, or resulting from the effects of folding or faulting of the earth's crust : tectonic
4
: concerned with or relating to structure rather than history or comparison
structural linguistics
structurally
adverb
Examples of structural in a Sentence
The house suffered no structural damage.
Recent Examples on the Web
For those of us under 65, the proposal would also require a structural change: expanding Medicare eligibility to allow MA plan executives early, voluntary enrollment in their own plans.
—
Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
With a background in science and structural engineering, Keller says durability often takes a backseat to aesthetics—leading to rings that warp, break, or lose stones over time.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Behind the political politesse is the challenge of urban mayors to advocate for immediate needs, while also playing the longer game of seeking structural changes in how Connecticut meets its constitutional responsibility of equitably funding public education.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
The building needed structural work and asbestos remediation.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for structural
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Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
With a background in science and structural engineering, Keller says durability often takes a backseat to aesthetics—leading to rings that warp, break, or lose stones over time.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Behind the political politesse is the challenge of urban mayors to advocate for immediate needs, while also playing the longer game of seeking structural changes in how Connecticut meets its constitutional responsibility of equitably funding public education.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
The building needed structural work and asbestos remediation.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for structural
Cite this Entry
“Structural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/structural. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
structural
adjective
struc·tur·al
ˈstrək-chə-rəl
ˈstrək-shrəl
1
: of, relating to, or affecting structure
structural weaknesses
2
: used or formed for use in construction
structural steel
structurally
adverb
-ē
Medical Definition
structural
adjective
struc·tur·al
ˈstrək-chə-rəl, ˈstrək-shrəl
1
: of or relating to the physical makeup of a plant or animal body
structural defects of the heart
compare functional sense 1a
2
: of, relating to, or affecting structure
structural stability
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