prac·ti·cal
ˈprak-ti-kəl 
1
2
: actively engaged in some course of action or occupation
a practical farmer
3
: capable of being put to use or account : useful
he had a practical knowledge of French
4
a
: disposed to action as opposed to speculation or abstraction
b(1)
: qualified by practice or practical training
a good practical mechanic
(2)
: designed to supplement theoretical training by experience
5
: concerned with voluntary action and ethical decisions
practical reason
: an examination requiring demonstration of some practical skill
a zoology practical
Synonyms
Examples of practical in a Sentence
Adjective
We can speculate about the future, but on a more practical level, we have to admit that we simply don't know what will happen.
An engineer will address the design's practical problems.
She has a lot of practical experience in dealing with these kinds of problems.
practical solutions to complicated problems
He thinks wind can be a practical source of renewable energy.
The machine is too big to be practical for most private homes.
The shoes are nice, but they're not very practical.
The book is a practical guide to car care.
He gave me some practical advice on finding a job.
Noun
We have our zoology practicals next week.
Recent Examples on the Web
Steven Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2024
Vying for seats becomes cutthroat on weekends, when the place is mobbed and parking is a nightmare — the valet stand starts feeling like a practical option after circling for the fifth time — but the live music inside helps dispel the initial hassle.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for practical 
Adjective
The longstanding principled objection to a national detective agency would have to give way to practical reality.
—Steven Johnson, New York Times, 17 May 2024
Vying for seats becomes cutthroat on weekends, when the place is mobbed and parking is a nightmare — the valet stand starts feeling like a practical option after circling for the fifth time — but the live music inside helps dispel the initial hassle.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for practical
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'practical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near practical
Cite this Entry
“Practical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practical. Accessed 20 May. 2024.
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