Writing & StyleStyle guide
R&D Meaning and Punctuation
R&D means “research and development,” especially the business activity or department concerned with improving existing products and developing new ones. Written variants include R&D, R and D, and R & D.
R&D means “research and development.” Multiple written forms are documented, so use the form required by your organization or house style.
Key details
Core IssueR&D is a business abbreviation for research and development with several documented spacing/ampersand forms.
Phrase Rolebusiness-function abbreviation
Registerprofessional and business writing
Important caveats
Formatting Boundary
Cambridge documents forms including R&D, R and D, and R & D; choose consistently according to house style or an official department name.
Further guidance
Meaning
Cambridge defines R and D/R&D as research and development.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- R and D — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Meaning and documented R&D/R and D/R & D forms