Definition of practical

< practicable

practical joke >

prac·ti·cal    (prkt-kl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, relating to, governed by, or acquired through practice or action, rather than theory, speculation, or ideals: gained practical experience of sailing as a deck hand.
2. Manifested in or involving practice: practical applications of calculus.
3. Actually engaged in a specified occupation or a certain kind of work; practicing.
4. Capable of being used or put into effect; useful: practical knowledge of Japanese. See Usage Note at practicable.
5. Intended to serve a purpose without elaboration: practical low-heeled shoes.
6. Concerned with the production or operation of something useful: Woodworking is a practical art.
7. Level-headed, efficient, and unspeculative.
8. Being actually so in almost every respect; virtual: a practical disaster.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English practicale, from Medieval Latin prcticlis, from prctica, practice ; see practicable

OTHER FORMS:
practi·cali·ty  (-kl-t) KEY  or practi·cal·ness(Noun)