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
New functional elements include modular benches done in vivid primary colors.
—
R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
As a global lifestyle architect, Crocs will continue to lead the next evolutionary cycle of clogs and casual footwear at the intersection of functional comfort with cultural expression.
—Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Their findings, recently published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that the spleen could be key to growing new, functional tissues within the body.
—Discover Magazine, 23 May 2025
The change is functional through 2028, then reverts to $2,000.
—Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for functional
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
As a global lifestyle architect, Crocs will continue to lead the next evolutionary cycle of clogs and casual footwear at the intersection of functional comfort with cultural expression.
—Footwear News, 23 May 2025
Their findings, recently published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that the spleen could be key to growing new, functional tissues within the body.
—Discover Magazine, 23 May 2025
The change is functional through 2028, then reverts to $2,000.
—Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 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 1 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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