elementary
adjective
el·e·men·ta·ry
ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē 
-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
Synonyms
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
That already occurs for elementary and middle schoolers.
—
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2024
Parents now fear those music offerings could change, or be reduced, due to changes the district is making to elementary arts programs that relate to Prop. 28 and a new agreement the district made with the teachers union last year.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024
The Fort Worth Independent School District will offer free school supplies to elementary students for at least one more school year, reversing course after officials stated in April that supplies would no longer be available.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2024
On the second day of school, Aug. 29, 20 bus routes contracted to service 54 runs were cancelled, leaving more than 2,400 students at 34 elementary, middle and high schools without transportation.
—Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for elementary 
Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2024
Parents now fear those music offerings could change, or be reduced, due to changes the district is making to elementary arts programs that relate to Prop. 28 and a new agreement the district made with the teachers union last year.
—Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024
The Fort Worth Independent School District will offer free school supplies to elementary students for at least one more school year, reversing course after officials stated in April that supplies would no longer be available.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2024
On the second day of school, Aug. 29, 20 bus routes contracted to service 54 runs were cancelled, leaving more than 2,400 students at 34 elementary, middle and high schools without transportation.
—Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for elementary
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elementary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near elementary
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 14 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elementary
adjective
el·e·men·ta·ry
ˌel-ə-ˈment-ə-rē
-ˈmen-trē
1
: of or relating to the simplest principles of a subject
2
: of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education
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