functional
adjective
func·tion·al
ˈfəŋ(k)-shnəl 
-shə-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.
Synonyms
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
The doctor also wants more research about effective, safe and tolerable treatments for lung cancer in older women, many of whom have multiple medical conditions and functional impairments.
—
Judith Graham, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024
Nearby, the fully functional galley features a curved counter, fridge, basin, wine cooler, and induction hob.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 June 2024
Early in the domestication of the species, dogs were presumably kept for functional roles—guard, hunter, herder—but in contemporary society they are kept for companionship.
—Alexandra Horowitz, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
On land as out on the water, Florida brand Costa del Mar is my go-to for quality eye protection that’s both fashionable and functional.
—Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for functional 
Judith Graham, USA TODAY, 27 June 2024
Nearby, the fully functional galley features a curved counter, fridge, basin, wine cooler, and induction hob.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 June 2024
Early in the domestication of the species, dogs were presumably kept for functional roles—guard, hunter, herder—but in contemporary society they are kept for companionship.
—Alexandra Horowitz, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
On land as out on the water, Florida brand Costa del Mar is my go-to for quality eye protection that’s both fashionable and functional.
—Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for functional
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'functional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near functional
Cite this Entry
“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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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