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
During her first year as superintendent, Rogers saw improvements in elementary reading literacy and math scores and a decrease in absenteeism.
—
Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
But Megan Moore, an elementary-school teacher in the wealthy suburb of Oakwood, Ohio, told me that by fifth or sixth grade, most of her female students have a mini-fridge at home specifically for skin care.
—Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
And how touching her shy, tentative pride when Johanna’s elementary-school teacher tells her that her daughter has an unusual talent for drawing.
—Elaine Blair, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
It’s being used evenly by both elementary and high school teachers, Rola Tarek Mohamed, the district’s coordinator of strategic initiatives, said.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
But Megan Moore, an elementary-school teacher in the wealthy suburb of Oakwood, Ohio, told me that by fifth or sixth grade, most of her female students have a mini-fridge at home specifically for skin care.
—Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2026
And how touching her shy, tentative pride when Johanna’s elementary-school teacher tells her that her daughter has an unusual talent for drawing.
—Elaine Blair, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
It’s being used evenly by both elementary and high school teachers, Rola Tarek Mohamed, the district’s coordinator of strategic initiatives, said.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elementary
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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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