originally

adverb

orig·​i·​nal·​ly ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce originally (audio)
-ˈrij-nə-lē,
-ˈri-jən-
1
archaic : by origin or derivation : inherently
2
: in the beginning : in the first place : initially
3
: in a fresh or original manner

Examples of originally in a Sentence

That van originally belonged to us. The building was originally a school. They originally planned to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead. Originally, the word had a very different meaning from its current meaning. a New Yorker who is originally from Mexico She has shown an ability to think originally about ways to improve the company.
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.
This story was originally published in the June 2005 issue of Outdoor Life. Jack Atcheson Sr. As Told To Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025 It was originally released in 2000. Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 On DSPs and at digital retailers, the 23 new songs merely comprise disc one of Swag II, with a second disc also containing the 21 songs originally released as Swag the First. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2025 The pair reportedly married at the La Bella Wedding Chapel at the Las Vegas Hilton, and later renewed their vows in June 2011 at an event guests originally believed was a joint birthday party for the duo. Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for originally

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of originally was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Originally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originally. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

originally

adverb
orig·​i·​nal·​ly ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce originally (audio)
-nəl-ē
1
: in the beginning : in the first place
2
: in an original manner

More from Merriam-Webster on originally

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