focal

adjective

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

Examples of focal in a Sentence

a focal figure in the movement
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 researchers then manipulated the scenario by changing what happened after the focal bee returned to the hive and gave directions to the feeder. — Marta Hill, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026 Modern capitalism has largely been ordered around the view of banks as the focal intermediaries of money. — Robin Wigglesworth, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026 Bad Paint Choices and Jobs Buyers can get turned off by overly bold paint colors, whether on a single focal wall or drenching an entire room. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 21 Sep. 2026 Rashed proposed establishing a dedicated water unit with a focal person and a dedicated team at BKMEA to monitor progress. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for focal

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal was in 1676

Phrases Containing focal

Rhymes for focal

See All Rhymes for focal

Browse Nearby Words

focaccia
focal
focal area
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Focal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

focal

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

Medical Definition

focal

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