focal
Americanadjective
adjective
-
of or relating to a focus
-
situated at, passing through, or measured from the focus
Other Word Forms
Derived 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.
At the heart of it, in what is known as Paradise Park, you will find the Phoenix centre, which has been a focal point for the folk on the hill for 25 years.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
That’s rightly going to be the focal point of Talarico’s campaign.
From Slate • May 30, 2026
The other focal point is a rebel-held city largely cut off from government resources.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
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
But of course the faces weren’t the focal point.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
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.
