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
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
And from January 2023 to June 2024, more than 800 instances of swatting were recorded at elementary, middle, and high schools, according to the K-12 School Shootings Database.
—
Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Once the flames come roaring into town, however, Kevin will be the only one in a position to drive a busload of elementary-schoolers, along with their teacher, Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera), through the downright biblical flames and out to safety.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2025
Two of the leaders of Sticks & Sprouts gave a status update on the potential mud-and-water project for the patch of dirt next to the elementary-school playground.
—Charlotte Alter, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Catherine Ament of Rolling Prairie, near LaPorte, was studying to be an elementary teacher.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Once the flames come roaring into town, however, Kevin will be the only one in a position to drive a busload of elementary-schoolers, along with their teacher, Mary Ludwig (America Ferrera), through the downright biblical flames and out to safety.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2025
Two of the leaders of Sticks & Sprouts gave a status update on the potential mud-and-water project for the patch of dirt next to the elementary-school playground.
—Charlotte Alter, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Catherine Ament of Rolling Prairie, near LaPorte, was studying to be an elementary teacher.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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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