constitutional

1 of 2

adjective

con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈtü-shnəl How to pronounce constitutional (audio)
-shə-nᵊl,
-ˈtyü-
1
: relating to, inherent in, or affecting the constitution of body or mind
2
: of, relating to, or entering into the fundamental makeup of something : essential
3
: being in accordance with or authorized by the constitution of a state or society
a constitutional government
4
: regulated by or ruling according to a constitution
a constitutional monarchy
5
: of or relating to a constitution
a constitutional crisis
6
: loyal to or supporting an established constitution or form of government

constitutional

2 of 2

noun

: a walk taken for one's health

Examples of constitutional in a Sentence

Adjective the constitutional guarantee of free speech a constitutional right to vote Constitutional symptoms of the disease include headache and fever. He has a constitutional dislike of controversy. Noun She's gone out for her morning constitutional. went for my evening constitutional in the park
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Given the two constitutional principles cited at the outset, such state prosecutions should be brought as soon as possible, even if activity on these cases must be deferred during Trump’s presidency. Dennis C. McAndrews, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024 While the president-elect’s desire to see his agenda advanced expeditiously is understandable, the Senate’s constitutional role of advice and consent is fundamental. Michael B. Mukasey, National Review, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
The working group stresses that federal courts have time and again ruled the 702 program constitutional—when its procedures are not skirted by negligent employees and willful violators for nefarious or self-serving means. WIRED, 16 Nov. 2023 And at that point, there was a monarchy, the dynasty at the time, and the constitutionals were looking to reform it and limit the monarch's power. Foreign Affairs, 24 May 2016 See all Example Sentences for constitutional 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of constitutional was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near constitutional

Cite this Entry

“Constitutional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitutional. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

constitutional

1 of 2 adjective
con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al ˈkän(t)-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shnəl How to pronounce constitutional (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
1
: of or relating to a person's physical or mental makeup
2
: of, relating to, or in agreement with a constitution
a constitutional amendment
constitutional rights
constitutionally
-shnə-lē
-shən-ᵊl-ē
adverb

constitutional

2 of 2 noun
: exercise (as a walk) taken for one's health

Medical Definition

constitutional

noun
con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al -shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce constitutional (audio)
: a walk taken for one's health

Legal Definition

constitutional

adjective
con·​sti·​tu·​tion·​al
1
: consistent with or authorized by the constitution of a state or society
constitutional rights
2
: regulated by, dependent on, or ruling according to a constitution
a constitutional monarchy
3
: of, relating to, or dealing with a constitution or its interpretation, formulation, or amendment
a constitutional convention
constitutional lawyers
constitutionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on constitutional

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!