develop
verb
de·vel·op
di-ˈve-ləp 
dē-
developed; developing; develops
1
a
: to set forth or make clear by degrees or in detail : expound
develop a thesis
b
: to make visible or manifest
developed the scene in her mind
c
dyeing
: to treat with an agent to cause the appearance of color
d
photography
: to subject (exposed material) especially to chemicals in order to produce a visible image
develop film
also
: to make visible by such a method
develop pictures
e
: to elaborate (a musical idea) by the working out of rhythmic and harmonic changes in the theme (see theme sense 4)
2
a
: to work out the possibilities of
develop an idea
b
: to create or produce especially by deliberate effort over time
develop new ways of doing business
develop software
3
a
: to make active or promote the growth of
developed his muscles
developing your mental abilities
b(1)
: to make available or usable
develop natural resources
(2)
: to make suitable for commercial or residential purposes
develop land
c
games
: to move (a chess piece) from the original position to one providing more opportunity for effective use
develop the rook
4
a
: to cause to evolve or unfold gradually : to lead or conduct (something) through a succession of states or changes each of which is preparatory for the next
developed his argument
b
: to expand by a process of growth
working to develop the company further
c
biology
: to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind
more rain will be needed to develop the plants properly
d
: to become infected or affected by
developed pneumonia
5
: to acquire gradually
develop an appreciation for ballet
1
biology
a
: to go through a process of natural growth, differentiation (see differentiation sense 3), or evolution by successive changes
A blossom develops from a bud.
b
: to acquire secondary sex characteristics
the year that her breasts fully developed
2
: to become gradually manifest
the facts that developed over the next few days
3
: to come into being gradually
the situation developing in eastern Europe
Examples of develop in a Sentence
She has been exercising regularly to develop her back muscles.
The story was later developed into a novel.
The island has developed its economy around tourism.
The course is designed to develop your writing skills.
A blossom develops from a bud.
The doctor says that the child is developing normally.
In this class, we will be learning about how languages develop.
Scientists are developing a treatment for the disease.
The company has developed a new method for recycling old tires.
He develops the concept more fully in his book.
Recent Examples on the Web
Especially developing the story about the father son relationship with Thomas, played by Miles Marthaller.
—
Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Protects Against Cancer Resveratrol may reduce the risk of developing cancer and lower the chances of mortality (or death) due to certain cancers.
—Barbie Cervoni, Health, 23 Nov. 2024
It is being developed to improve user privacy but not at the cost of access to free content and services.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Along with the great orchard expansion, supporting industries developed: barrel making, apple drying, distilling juice, packing sheds, and ice-making plants.
—arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for develop 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
Protects Against Cancer Resveratrol may reduce the risk of developing cancer and lower the chances of mortality (or death) due to certain cancers.
—Barbie Cervoni, Health, 23 Nov. 2024
It is being developed to improve user privacy but not at the cost of access to free content and services.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Along with the great orchard expansion, supporting industries developed: barrel making, apple drying, distilling juice, packing sheds, and ice-making plants.
—arkansasonline.com, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for develop
Dictionary Entries Near develop
Cite this Entry
“Develop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/develop. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
develop
verb
de·vel·op
di-ˈvel-əp
1
a
: to make or become clear gradually or in detail
as the story developed
b
: to apply chemicals to exposed photographic material (as a film) in order to bring out the picture
also
: to make visible by such a method
develop pictures
c
: to make (a musical theme) more complicated by varying the rhythm and harmony
2
: to bring to a more advanced or more nearly perfect state
develop an idea
3
: to create or produce especially by effort
develop new ways of doing business
4
: to make more available or usable
develop land
5
: to acquire gradually
developed a taste for olives
6
: to go through a process of natural growth or evolution in a series of stages
a blossom develops from a bud
Medical Definition
develop
transitive verb
de·vel·op
di-ˈvel-əp
1
a
: to make active or promote the growth of
developed their muscles by weight lifting
b
: to cause to grow and differentiate along lines natural to its kind
the zygote is gradually developed into the adult plant or animal
2
: to become infected or affected by
developed pneumonia
1
: to go through a process of natural growth, differentiation, or evolution by successive stages
the fever develops normally
the embryo develops into a well-formed human being
2
: to acquire secondary sex characteristics
she is developing rapidly for a girl of 12
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