Existing in name only; not real or actual. The king was a nominal ruler, with the real power lying in the hands of the council.
Very small; far below the real value or cost. The club charges a nominal fee for membership to encourage more people to join.
Linguistics: relating to nouns or noun phrases. In the clause "to read books is fun," the infinitive phrase functions as a nominal element.
Within expected or normal operating limits (chiefly technical or aerospace use). Mission control reports that all systems are nominal.
Expressed in monetary terms without adjustment for inflation or other factors. The country's nominal GDP grew by 5% last year.