real-world

adjective

ˈrē(-ə)l-ˈwər(-ə)ld 

: existing or occurring in reality : drawn from or drawing on actual events or situations : real-life

a real-world example

… the complex relationship between a word and the real-world thing it labels.

—Jean Aitchison

Digital objects aren't bound by the same constraints as real-world objects—that is, broadly speaking, the whole point of digital objects—but they're often made to look like real-world objects anyway.

—Lev Grossman

… combine the rigors of academics with the soothing realities of real-world applications.

—Ricardo Bilton

The paintings are essentially abstract, but they don't feel abstract. They feature, besides passages of figurative drawing, a real-world aura …

—Peter Schjeldahl

Examples of real-world in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While Willow may not be ready for real-world applications yet, Willow’s speed and accuracy will help pave the way for larger-scale quantum computers. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 22 Dec. 2024

On the track, an autonomous vehicle might choose to deviate from the racing line around a corner because of a signal input that a human driver would ignore or fold into their driving based on their real-world experience. —Roberto Baldwin, Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2024

While Stark's mini fusion reactor was small enough to hold in his hand, the real-world CFS version will be closer to the size of a warehouse. —New Atlas, 22 Dec. 2024

While some of this guidance may prove invaluable, navigating the professional landscape can quickly reveal how some tips won’t stand the test of real-world application. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above