constitutional

American  

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

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.

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noun

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

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

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

Kosovo's acting President Albulena Haxhiu welcomed the verdict, describing it as "proof that the attack on the Kosovo police, on the constitutional order and on the security of our country will not remain unpunished".

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

What’s the basis for the allegation that a constitutional amendment somehow violates the state constitution?

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

"Elections remain the only legitimate path back to constitutional order," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

By design, the deportation process moves so fast that detainees do not have time to obtain meaningful legal representation — a violation of their constitutional, civil and human rights.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

When asked by friends about his isolation from the presidential councils, Adams halfheartedly endorsed the same constitutional explanation.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

• democratic
• lawful
• legal
• statutory