1
natural
/ˈnætʃərəl/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of NATURAL
1
a
:
existing in nature and not made or caused by people
:
coming from nature
-
natural silk
-
furniture made of natural materials
-
The river forms a natural boundary between the two countries.
-
That's not his natural hair color. [=he dyes his hair]
-
a natural lake [=a lake that is not man-made]
-
She prefers to use natural light [=light from the sun] when taking photographs.
-
a country rich in natural resources [=a country that has many valuable plants, animals, minerals, etc.]
-
learning more about the natural world [=animals, plants, etc.]
b
:
not having any extra substances or chemicals added
:
not containing anything artificial
2
[more natural; most natural]
:
usual or expected
:
normal
-
Gray hair is one of the natural consequences of getting older.
-
a natural increase in the population
-
the natural course of the disease
-
It's perfectly/only natural to feel nervous before a test.
-
He died of natural causes. [=he died because he was ill or old and not by being killed in an accident, battle, etc.]
—
see also natural childbirth
3
always used before a noun
—
used to describe a quality, ability, etc., that a person or animal is born with and does not have to learn
-
The science class will encourage his natural curiosity.
-
She has a natural talent for art.
-
He has a natural ability to make people feel comfortable.
-
She's a natural athlete/leader. [=she has natural abilities that make her a good athlete/leader]
4
[more natural; most natural]
◊ To be/act/look natural is to be normal and relaxed in the way you behave and look.
5
always used before a noun
b
old-fashioned
:
born to parents who are not married to each other
:
illegitimate
6
of a choice, decision, etc.
:
logical and reasonable
-
We considered our options, and this car was the natural choice. [=the choice that made the most sense]
-
He is the natural choice to succeed his father as company president.
-
They made the natural decision to keep trying.
7
always used before a noun,
formal
:
based on a sense of what is right and wrong
8
music
:
neither sharp nor flat
— naturalness
/ˈnætʃərəlnəs/
noun
[noncount]
2
natural
/ˈnætʃərəl/
noun
plural
naturals
2
natural
/ˈnætʃərəl/
noun
plural
naturals
Britannica Dictionary definition of NATURAL
[count]
1
a
:
someone who is good at doing something from the first time it is done
:
someone who has a natural ability to do something
—
usually singular
—
often + at
b
:
someone or something that is suited for a particular job, purpose, etc.
—
usually singular
—
usually + for
2
a
:
a musical note that is neither sharp nor flat
b
:
a written symbol ♮ that is placed before a musical note to show that it is neither sharp nor flat