re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzi-jə-wəl 
-jəl;
-ˈzij-wəl
1
a
: the difference between results obtained by observation and by computation from a formula or between the mean of several observations and any one of them
b
: a residual product or substance
c
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
especially
: a disability remaining from a disease or operation
2
: a payment (as to an actor or writer) for each rerun after an initial showing (as of a TV show)
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a residue
2
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time
a residual pesticide
residually
adverb
Examples of residual in a Sentence
Adjective
She's still dealing with the residual effects of the accident.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Along with discussing fair pay and residuals, Anjum Rajabali, senior writer and Screenwriters Association (SWA) of India committee member, told Deadline the relationship between the Global South and major entertainment companies would be a key issue.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
The residual activity will inhibit all types of seedling growth, including your new grass seed, says Waltz.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
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Noun
Her agent is very impressed and can practically see the residuals checks for potential new projects coming in.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Along with discussing fair pay and residuals, Anjum Rajabali, senior writer and Screenwriters Association (SWA) of India committee member, told Deadline the relationship between the Global South and major entertainment companies would be a key issue.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Current industry practice involves destroying residual cyanide in waste tailings.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
The residual activity will inhibit all types of seedling growth, including your new grass seed, says Waltz.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for residual
Cite this Entry
“Residual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/residual. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
residual
1 of 2 adjective
re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl
-ˈzij-əl
1
: of, relating to, or being a residue
2
: leaving a residue that is effective for some time afterward
residually
adverb
-ē
residual
2 of 2 noun
: a residual product, substance, or result
Medical Definition
residual
1 of 2 adjective
re·sid·u·al
ri-ˈzij-(ə-)wəl, -ˈzij-əl
1
: of, relating to, or being something that remains: as
a
: remaining after a disease or operation
residual paralysis
b
: remaining in a body cavity after maximum normal expulsion has occurred
residual urine
see residual volume
2
a
: leaving a residue that remains effective for some time after application
residual insecticides
b
: of or relating to a residual insecticide
a residual spray
residual
2 of 2 noun1
: an internal aftereffect of experience or activity that influences later behavior
2
: a residual abnormality (as a scar or limp)
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