development
noun
de·vel·op·ment
di-ˈve-ləp-mənt 
dē-
1
: the act, process, or result of developing
the development of new ideas
an interesting development in the case
2
: the state of being developed
a project in development
3
: a tract of land that has been made available or usable : a developed tract of land
especially
: one with houses built on it
Synonyms
Examples of development in a Sentence
Good nutrition is important for proper muscle development.
The company offers many opportunities for professional development.
The software is still in the early stages of development.
I try to keep up with the latest developments in computer technology.
Have there been any new developments in the case?
Recent Examples on the Web
Combined with the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, these developments have dealt a serious blow to Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders.
—
Abbas Al Lawati, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025
Although the United States government had partly funded buprenorphine’s development as a treatment for opioid addiction, France was one of the first countries to most fully exploit the drug’s potential.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
The development plan — which includes strategic investments in various areas, such as governance, infrastructure, training, funding, and international promotion — comes less than two years after Brazil’s successful Paulo Gustavo Law saw a multi-million boost in São Paulo’s audiovisual production.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
Because the city of Buckeye does not have a designation of assured water supply, the North Star Ranch development will have to find its own source of water.
—Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for development 
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Abbas Al Lawati, CNN, 16 Feb. 2025
Although the United States government had partly funded buprenorphine’s development as a treatment for opioid addiction, France was one of the first countries to most fully exploit the drug’s potential.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
The development plan — which includes strategic investments in various areas, such as governance, infrastructure, training, funding, and international promotion — comes less than two years after Brazil’s successful Paulo Gustavo Law saw a multi-million boost in São Paulo’s audiovisual production.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025
Because the city of Buckeye does not have a designation of assured water supply, the North Star Ranch development will have to find its own source of water.
—Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for development
Dictionary Entries Near development
Cite this Entry
“Development.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/development. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
development
noun
de·vel·op·ment
di-ˈvel-əp-mənt
1
: the act, process, or result of developing
2
: the state of being developed
3
: a developed piece of land
especially
: one that has houses built on it
Medical Definition
development
noun
de·vel·op·ment
di-ˈvel-əp-mənt
1
: the action or process of developing: as
a
: the process of growth and differentiation by which the potentialities of a zygote, spore, or embryo are realized
b
: the gradual advance through evolutionary stages : evolution
2
: the state of being developed
the great muscular development of weight lifters
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