functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl 
1
2
: used to contribute to the development or maintenance of a larger whole
functional and practical school courses
also
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
The design of the building is not only functional but also beautiful.
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
The flashlight was still functional after I had dropped it.
Examples of functional in a Sentence
The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful.
The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it.
The computer network is fully functional.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brooklyn is the only team with legitimate functional cap space, and the rebuilding Nets seem more likely to use it to absorb bad salary (in exchange for draft picks) than to make some big splurge on another team’s third-best player.
—
John Hollinger, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Known for its sturdy, functional bags and enthusiastic following among surfers, skiers, skaters and other outdoor enthusiasts, Db cases were originally marketed under the brand name Douchebags when the firm was founded in 2012.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
According to multiple shoppers, the shed is easy to assemble and a functional addition to pool areas and backyards.
—Ali Faccenda, People.com, 16 June 2025
Researchers from the University of Queensland, led by Daniel Hwang from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, have uncovered a surprising link between those who have two functional copies of the TAS2R38 gene and the likelihood of poor renal function and/or the prevalence of bipolar disorder.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
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John Hollinger, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Known for its sturdy, functional bags and enthusiastic following among surfers, skiers, skaters and other outdoor enthusiasts, Db cases were originally marketed under the brand name Douchebags when the firm was founded in 2012.
—Miles Socha, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
According to multiple shoppers, the shed is easy to assemble and a functional addition to pool areas and backyards.
—Ali Faccenda, People.com, 16 June 2025
Researchers from the University of Queensland, led by Daniel Hwang from the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, have uncovered a surprising link between those who have two functional copies of the TAS2R38 gene and the likelihood of poor renal function and/or the prevalence of bipolar disorder.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
b
: affecting bodily functions but not structure
functional heart disease
2
: designed or developed chiefly from the point of view of use
functional clothes
functional writing
3
: performing or able to perform a regular function
Medical Definition
functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function compare structural sense 1
b
: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure
functional heart disease
a functional psychosis
compare organic sense 1b
2
: performing or able to perform a regular function
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