optional

adjective

op·​tion·​al ˈäp-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
: involving an option : not compulsory
optionality noun
optionally adverb

Examples of optional in a Sentence

Jackets are required at the restaurant, but ties are optional. Many optional features are available on this car. Registration is optional, not mandatory.
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.
The newest Prestige has three generously-sized staterooms, with an optional cabin for the captain. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025 Other hardware includes an optional LED lighting system, a throttle, plus a controller that keeps everything coordinated. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 9 Feb. 2025 The thing about throwing a Super Bowl party is that any interest in football is totally optional. Christine Byrne, StyleCaster, 8 Feb. 2025 Currently, Oscar submissions have only an optional disclosure for AI use. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for optional 

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optional was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near optional

Cite this Entry

“Optional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optional. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

optional

adjective
op·​tion·​al ˈäp-shnəl How to pronounce optional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
: left to one's choice : not required
optional equipment on a new car
optionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on optional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!