functional

adjective

func·​tion·​al ˈfəŋ(k)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce functional (audio)
1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
the functional differences between the departments
b
: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure
functional heart disease
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.
functionally adverb

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
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.
However, no voting machines were not working; all were functional and counting votes — just slowly. Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024 The Mustang was developed to be athletic and functional at a price point that would seal the deal. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2024 What will be key to success is executives who are leading any functional or business organization collaborating amongst themselves and with their technology partners to envision and create use cases that will grow their businesses. Billee Howard, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 Types There are two categories of gastrointestinal diseases: functional and structural diseases.4 Functional GI diseases affect how the digestive tract works but do not leave any physical signs of disease on the organs. Mark Gurarie, Health, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for functional 

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of functional was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near functional

Cite this Entry

“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

functional

adjective
func·​tion·​al ˈfuŋ(k)-shnəl How to pronounce functional (audio)
-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
functionally
-shnə-lē How to pronounce functional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

Medical Definition

functional

adjective
func·​tion·​al ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce functional (audio)
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
functionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on functional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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