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)
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Vocabulary from Readings, Part 3
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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.
Once more, Becerra was the focal point of attacks, befitting his newfound status as the candidate to beat.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
The white peak of the Chimborazo rhymes with the white of a waterfall in the foreground, which serves as the focal point of the composition.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Greater bond market volatility could tighten funding markets, which has been a focal point of past financial turmoil.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
Earnings season has also become a focal point, as quarterly results dominate headlines and investors tend to make trading decisions based on short-term news.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026
The last two will be the focal point of the curriculum.
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
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.
