developmental
adjective
de·vel·op·men·tal
dē-ˌve-ləp-ˈmen-tᵊl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or being development
developmental processes
developmental biology
b
: serving economic development
developmental highways
2
: designed to assist growth or bring about improvement (as of a skill)
developmental toys
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
Thao Ha, an associate professor in developmental psychology at Arizona State University, directs the HEART Lab, or Healthy Experiences Across Relationships and Transitions.
—
Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Chronic exposure to high heat has been linked to preterm birth and low-birth weight, which can set a baby up for cascading health problems in their first years of life such as feeding challenges, difficulties breathing, and developmental delays.
—Chelsea Rivera, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
Similar to other developmental milestones of early childhood, such as potty training, the move from crib to bed can be especially challenging for toddlers, so this transition may require considering their individual needs.
—Laura Broadwell, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
This causes a buildup of phenylalanine in the blood and brain, which can lead to intellectual disabilities, seizures, developmental delays, behavioral issues, and psychiatric disorders.18
Phenylalanine Deficiency
Phenylalanine is one of many amino acids found in protein-rich foods.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
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.
Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025
Chronic exposure to high heat has been linked to preterm birth and low-birth weight, which can set a baby up for cascading health problems in their first years of life such as feeding challenges, difficulties breathing, and developmental delays.
—Chelsea Rivera, Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025
Similar to other developmental milestones of early childhood, such as potty training, the move from crib to bed can be especially challenging for toddlers, so this transition may require considering their individual needs.
—Laura Broadwell, Parents, 18 Mar. 2025
This causes a buildup of phenylalanine in the blood and brain, which can lead to intellectual disabilities, seizures, developmental delays, behavioral issues, and psychiatric disorders.18
Phenylalanine Deficiency
Phenylalanine is one of many amino acids found in protein-rich foods.
—Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for developmental
Cite this Entry
“Developmental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/developmental. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share