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
In terms of design, the shoe is highly functional yet aesthetically pleasing.
—
Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024
The brand has streamlined travel with stylish, functional and practical bags, created by Sherrill Mosee.
—Ronny Maye, Essence, 4 June 2024
Skechers Men’s Louden Fisherman Sandals Buy on Amazon $50 $45
Skechers never fails to craft durable, functional shoes and sandals for every activity, and these cushioned fisherman sandals are a superb choice for summer hikes without allowing your sweaty feet to slip and slide.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2024
Psychiatry studies often struggle with functional blinding but, even compared to SSRI antidepressants (where one meta-analysis of nine studies found 45% to 71% of participants correctly guessed their treatment arm), these results suggest blinding is almost nonexistent.
—Olivia Goldhill, STAT, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for functional 
Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024
The brand has streamlined travel with stylish, functional and practical bags, created by Sherrill Mosee.
—Ronny Maye, Essence, 4 June 2024
Skechers Men’s Louden Fisherman Sandals Buy on Amazon $50 $45
Skechers never fails to craft durable, functional shoes and sandals for every activity, and these cushioned fisherman sandals are a superb choice for summer hikes without allowing your sweaty feet to slip and slide.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2024
Psychiatry studies often struggle with functional blinding but, even compared to SSRI antidepressants (where one meta-analysis of nine studies found 45% to 71% of participants correctly guessed their treatment arm), these results suggest blinding is almost nonexistent.
—Olivia Goldhill, STAT, 31 May 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 9 Jun. 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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