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.
Keep gardens free of debris and weeds, which are a favorite environment for thrips’ development. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025 Mowing regularly and at the proper height promotes a lush, dense lawn by stimulating root growth and lateral shoot development. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025 Less milk means fewer essential calories and nutrients like proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, potentially hindering their growth and development. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 5 Apr. 2025 Of those, only 46 were suitable for housing, and 19 have ended up in the process of development. Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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