focal
Americanadjective
adjective
-
of or relating to a focus
-
situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of focal
From the New Latin word focālis, dating back to 1685–95. See focus, -al 1
Vocabulary lists containing focal
Part 3 Vocabulary (Unit 2)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Vocabulary from Readings, Part 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Things are out of balance right now and I do think there have been times where the public interest is the focal point and not the interest of companies.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026
But formal diplomatic recognition is no longer the focal point.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
An estimated 60,000 people from Morocco are believed to have crossed into the North African enclave that has long been a focal point for migrant attempting to reach Europe.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
Mr. Pradhan had emerged as a focal point for nationwide protesters upset by India’s ramshackle education system and meager job opportunities for young people.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
The library became the focal point of his life.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
