developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or being development

developmental processes

developmental biology

broadly : experimental sense 2

developmental aircraft

b

: serving economic development

developmental highways

2

: designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill)

developmental toys

developmentally

dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms

• experimental
• pilot
• trial

Examples of developmental in a Sentence

A drop in temperature can slow the plant's developmental process.

a child with developmental abnormalities

My theory is still in its developmental stage.

Recent Examples on the Web

Hopefully at least two will be used to upgrade the offensive line by adding Year 1 starters, and not developmental projects. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025

So far for Washington, he's been the perfect big man to provide an interior presence for skinny, developmental big man Alex Sarr. —Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

This was supposed to be a developmental season for the Bulls. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025

This refers to a behavioral condition that can occur when two sibling puppies are raised together, often resulting in developmental and social challenges. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing developmental

• developmental biology
• developmental disability
• developmental disorder
• evolutionary developmental biology
• pervasive developmental disorder

Kids Definition

developmental

adjective

de·​vel·​op·​men·​tal -ˌvel-əp-ˈment-əl 

: of or relating to development

developmentally

-əl-ē 

adverb