optional

[ op-shuh-nl ]
See synonyms for: optionaloptionally on Thesaurus.com

adjective
  1. left to one's choice; not required or mandatory: Formal dress is optional.

  2. leaving something to choice.

Origin of optional

1
First recorded in 1755–65; option + -al1

Other words for optional

Other words from optional

  • op·tion·al·i·ty, noun
  • op·tion·al·ly, adverb
  • non·op·tion·al, adjective
  • non·op·tion·al·ly, adverb
  • un·op·tion·al, adjective
  • un·op·tion·al·ly, adverb

Words Nearby optional

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use optional in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for optional

optional

/ (ˈɒpʃənəl) /


adjective
  1. possible but not compulsory; left to personal choice

Derived forms of optional

  • optionally, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012