Practical describes something useful in real life rather than just in theory or imagination. A practical solution to a problem is one that actually works when you try it, not just one that sounds good on paper. When your teacher asks for practical examples of using fractions, she wants real situations like splitting a pizza or measuring ingredients for cookies, not abstract math problems.

A practical person focuses on what will actually work. If your class needs to raise money for a field trip, a practical student might suggest a bake sale rather than an elaborate carnival that would take months to organize. Being practical means thinking about whether something can really happen with the time, money, and resources you have.

The word often contrasts with theoretical or idealistic. You might have a theory about the fastest route to school, but practical experience riding your bike there every day shows you which streets actually work best.

A practical joke, interestingly enough, is a prank involving physical action. Putting salt in the sugar bowl is a practical joke (though not a particularly kind one).

When something has practical applications, it means you can use it in everyday situations. Math might seem abstract until you realize its practical applications in building, cooking, or managing an allowance.