elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē How to pronounce elementary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē
1
a
: of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something
b
: of or relating to an elementary school
2
3
elementarily adverb
elementariness noun

Examples of elementary in a Sentence

He is lacking even the most elementary notions of fairness. The researchers made an elementary error. He has an elementary understanding of calculus.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bill will prohibit cell-phone use throughout the school day in elementary and middle schools. News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2025 Thirty-two busloads of elementary students from Title 1 schools throughout San Diego County eagerly hopped off buses during the week of May 12-16 to enjoy an enriching, exciting, and totally fun Plant*Grow*Eat morning at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Infield Farm. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025 Listen to this article The shrieks of thousands of elementary and middle school students filled the Denver Coliseum on Wednesday morning as kids with homemade signs, pompoms and light-up toys leaped in the stands with enough enthusiasm to match a greeting fit for a pop star. Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 15 May 2025 Dotson said after the meeting that approximately 70% of the people receiving services are students in the district’s elementary and middle schools, as well as Waukegan High School, while the others are community members. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elementary

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of elementary was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

elementary

adjective
el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌel-ə-ˈment-ə-rē How to pronounce elementary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē
1
: of or relating to the simplest principles of a subject
2
: of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education

More from Merriam-Webster on elementary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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