development

noun

de·​vel·​op·​ment di-ˈve-ləp-mənt How to pronounce development (audio)
dē-
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

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.
On the heels of its May 7 separation from Lionsgate, Starz is quickly starting to build its own library of IP with four series in priority development, all fully owned by the premium network. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 May 2025 Officials argue that these developments render the settlement unnecessary and unconstitutional. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 23 May 2025 Brazil’s ability to anchor its economic development in the green transition is in large part a simple function of its resources. Justin Worland, Time, 23 May 2025 Along with the theme park itself, the development adds three Loews hotels to the resort: Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and the Helios Grand Hotel. Simon Thompson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Development.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/development. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

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 adjective
developmentally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on development

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