primal

adjective

pri·​mal ˈprī-məl How to pronounce primal (audio)
1
: original, primitive
village life continued in its primal innocenceVan Wyck Brooks
2
: first in importance : primary

Examples of primal in a Sentence

the primal theme of the essay is toleration of religious diversity there was a period of primal idealism after the founding of the republic and before the rise of partisan politics
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.
Deep listening is about genuine curiosity cueing in our primal need to be seen and heard, and create unexpected connections, ultimately combating loneliness and promoting social cohesion. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 Reid plays the New Boy’s difference, almost beyond human, with surprising subtlety and restraint for such a raw performer (which is essential to capture that primal sense of survival at all costs). Ella Kemp, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 His needs and his flaws — grand, primal, and by implication maybe even shared with everyone else sitting nearby — become the engine and the spectacle. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2025 Grinderman formed in 2005 as a more raw and primal outlet for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds—a sound more akin to Cave’s early post-punk project the Birthday Party. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for primal

Word History

Etymology

probably from prime entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of primal was in 1604

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

primal

adjective
pri·​mal ˈprī-məl How to pronounce primal (audio)
1
: of or relating to the first period or state : primitive
2
: first in importance : basic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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