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
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In Uvalde, 19 elementary students and two teachers were killed. Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025 There are elementary and middle school programs, too. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2025 The University of Texas is inviting elementary and middle school students to celebrate its annual STEM Girl Day on Saturday. Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Xavier's Montessori Lab School opened as a demonstration project in 1966 and grew over the years into a program that served more than 100 elementary and middle school students every year. Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 2 July 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 13 Jul. 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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