constitutional

American  

[kon-sti-too-shuh-nl, -tyoo-] / ˌkɒn stɪˈtu ʃə nl, -ˈtju- /

adjective

1. of or relating to the constitution of a state, organization, etc.

2. subject to the provisions of such a constitution.

   a constitutional monarchy.

3. provided by, in accordance with, or not prohibited by, such a constitution.

   the constitutional powers of the president; a law held to be constitutional by the Supreme Court.

4. belonging to or inherent in the character or makeup of a person's body or mind.

   a constitutional weakness for sweets.

5. pertaining to the constitution or composition of a thing; essential.

6. beneficial to one's constitution; healthful.

   constitutional exercise.

---

noun

constitutionals plural

1. a walk or other mild exercise taken for the benefit of one's health.

constitutional British  

/ ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl /

adjective

1. denoting, characteristic of, or relating to a constitution

2. authorized by or subject to a constitution

3. of or inherent in the physical make-up or basic nature of a person or thing

   a constitutional weakness

4. beneficial to one's general physical wellbeing

---

noun

1. a regular walk taken for the benefit of one's health

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• anticonstitutional
  adjective
• hyperconstitutional
  adjective
• nonconstitutional
  adjective
• proconstitutional
  adjective
• quasi-constitutional
  adjective
• superconstitutional
  adjective
• anticonstitutionally
  adverb
• constitutionally
  adverb
• hyperconstitutionally
  adverb
• quasi-constitutionally
  adverb
• superconstitutionally
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• constitutionals
  plural

Etymology

Origin of constitutional

First recorded in 1675–85; constitution + -al ¹

Explanation

Constitutional means having to do with the document that is the foundation of a government — in the US, a constitutional right is one provided to you by the US Constitution. If you break down constitutional, you’ll find the root word constitute, meaning "to make up or form." Constitution can refer to the document that forms (or organizes) the government. It can also refer to the structure of a thing, such as a species, or a person. If you go for a "constitutional walk" — in that sense, the word means having to do with your constitution or your health.

Example Sentences

The proposed constitutional amendment would increase the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

Although the Akal Takht has no constitutional authority over elected governments, it wields immense religious influence among Sikhs.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026

Beyond logistical complications, the palace believed the legal judgement expected Tuesday had complicated matters as it could compromise the king's constitutional position, the PA news agency reported.

From Barron's • Jul. 6, 2026

Under this proposed constitutional amendment, during a recall election, voters would decide solely whether a politician should be removed from their elected position.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026

But she also knew that a final dramatic development was needed if that goal was to become a reality: gaining the support of President Woodrow Wilson for the passage of a constitutional amendment.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• democratic
• lawful
• legal
• statutory