development

noun

de·​vel·​op·​ment di-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce development (audio)
dē-
Synonyms of development
1
: the act, process, or result of developing
the development of new ideas
an interesting development in the case
2
: the state of being developed
a project in development
3
: a tract of land that has been made available or usable : a developed tract of land
especially : one with houses built on it

Synonyms of development

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Examples of development in a Sentence

Good nutrition is important for proper muscle development. The company offers many opportunities for professional development. The software is still in the early stages of development. I try to keep up with the latest developments in computer technology. Have there been any new developments in the case?
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 company says its in-house production model provides greater control over manufacturing and product development. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Live Local also disrupts years of successful and careful planning by the city to promote compatible, consistent development in neighborhoods like Wynwood. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Its on-site care will include, as needed, case management, nursing, occupational therapy, substance abuse support, workforce development, and round-the-clock resident coordinators . — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Numerous governments have incorporated aspects of China’s development model over the past two decades while simultaneously expanding commercial ties with Beijing. — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for development

Word History

Etymology

see develop

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of development was in 1724

Phrases Containing development

Rhymes for development

See All Rhymes for development

Browse Nearby Words

developing-out paper
development
developmental
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Cite this Entry

“Development.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/development. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

development

noun
de·​vel·​op·​ment di-ˈvel-əp-mənt How to pronounce development (audio)
1
: the act, process, or result of developing
2
: the state of being developed
3
: a developed piece of land
especially : one that has houses built on it

Medical Definition

development

noun
de·​vel·​op·​ment di-ˈvel-əp-mənt How to pronounce development (audio)
1
: the action or process of developing: as
a
: the process of growth and differentiation by which the potentialities of a zygote, spore, or embryo are realized
b
: the gradual advance through evolutionary stages : evolution
2
: the state of being developed
the great muscular development of weight lifters
developmental
-ˌvel-əp-ˈment-ᵊl How to pronounce development (audio)
adjective
developmentally
-ē How to pronounce development (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on development

Nglish: Translation of development for Spanish Speakers

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