focal

adjective

fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally adverb

Examples of focal in a Sentence

a focal figure in the movement
Recent Examples on the Web Historically, when conditions have changed, particularly when a focal enemy has disappeared or balances of power have shifted dramatically, so, too, have other relationships among nations. Graham Allison, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2020 Season two expanded the number of minority characters and gave two of them the show’s focal storyline, but did little to address the concerns held over from season one about the lack of complexity in this universe. Aja Romano, Vox, 21 May 2024 Beverage stations inside the Vienna airport lounge The food The focal hub of the lounge is the bistro-esque dining area, where an impressively large Viennese buffet takes center stage. Lucy Bruton, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2024 Often the most attractive arrangements are filled with an assortment of shapes featuring a focal flower, spiky exclamation points, mounded shapes to hold the arrangement together, greenery for filling spaces and delicate airy springs to lighten the mood. Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for focal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'focal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal was in 1676

Dictionary Entries Near focal

Cite this Entry

“Focal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, or having a focus
focally adverb

Medical Definition

focal

adjective
fo·​cal ˈfō-kəl How to pronounce focal (audio)
: of, relating to, being, or having a focus
focally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on focal

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