MARGINAL definition: pertaining to a margin. See examples of marginal used in a sentence.

Of, relating to, located at, or constituting a margin, a border, or an edge: the marginal strip of beach; a marginal issue that had no bearing on the election results.

MARGINAL meaning: 1. very small in amount or effect: 2. of interest to only a few people: 3. the idea that small…. Learn more.

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025 mar•gin•al /ˈmɑrdʒənəl/ adj. of, relating to, or located in a margin: marginal notes. barely adequate: a …

Dec 24, 2025 · marginal (not generally comparable, comparative more marginal, superlative most marginal) (not comparable) Of, relating to, or located at or near a margin or edge; also …

The meaning of MARGINAL is written or printed in the margin of a page or sheet. How to use marginal in a sentence.

Factsheet What does the word marginal mean? There are 17 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word marginal. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

At the next election the opposition parties will try to capture some marginal seats [= marginals] from the government.

If you describe people as marginal, you mean that they are not involved in the main events or developments in society because they are poor or have no power. Andy Warhol made …

• The difference between the two cars is marginal. • Businesses can already buy from suppliers in different countries, and exchange costs are marginal. • Instead it allows for the discovery of …