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⇱ FUNCTIONAL Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster


1
a
: of, connected with, or being a function
the functional differences between the departments
b
: affecting physiological or psychological functions but not organic structure
functional heart disease
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.

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
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.
This team is improved, has a deeper roster, no longer pretends Kris Bryant is a major league player and features more functional pitchers (No, seriously). 👁 Image
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
For several years, the creative has owned an apartment in the French capital’s 9th arrondissement—a 753-square-foot space that, since becoming a new mother, Chen wanted to make more family-friendly and functional. 👁 Image
Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2026
Join renowned interior designer Joni Koenig of Joni Koenig Interiors (JKI) for an inspiring morning on creating a beautiful, functional home. 👁 Image
Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
The only way to stop chasing symptoms is to recognize your compensation patterns and restore functional movement. 👁 Image
Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for functional

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of functional was in 1633

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Cite this Entry

“Functional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

functional

adjective
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
functionally adverb

Medical Definition

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

More from Merriam-Webster on functional

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