focal

adjective

fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally adverb

Examples of focal in a Sentence

a focal figure in the movement
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.
Internal zoom means that the 12-28mm doesn't extend when zooming in, so its center of gravity stays consistent across the focal range. PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025 Excavation work will continue over the course of 2025, primarily in the new focal area at Anubis Mountain spanning over 100,000 square-feet. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Mar. 2025 Scotto suggests accenting a focal wall, which can make the wall recede and give the illusion of more depth in the room. Maddie McGay, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025 Nikon does not have any primes in this focal range with stabilization. PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for focal

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal was in 1676

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Cite this Entry

“Focal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, or having a focus
focally adverb

Medical Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on focal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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