focal
Americanadjective
adjective
-
of or relating to a focus
-
situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus
Other Word Forms
- focally adverb
Etymology
Origin of focal
From the New Latin word focālis, dating back to 1685–95. See focus, -al 1
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.
The prospect of a SpaceX IPO has become a key focal point for markets, and any delay tied to deteriorating conditions could carry broader implications.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
The key question is how much this has damaged the Gulf's reputation as a focal point for global aviation – and whether its model has suffered lasting damage.
From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026
Bigger parking decks are often a focal point of the action, they said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
Long a community focal point, the five-acre park is set to undergo a redesign thanks to a $5-million donation from the Walt Disney Co., and a $5.5-million outlay from California State Parks.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026
Nevertheless, the Burr-Hamilton duel helped turn the tide against the practice of dueling by providing a focal point for its critics and serving as a dramatic object lesson of its self-destructive character.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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.
