computers
: a simplified high-level language for programming a computer
The program was written in BASIC.
variants
or less commonly basic
plural -s
: a copyrighted system of simplified English consisting of the 850 words considered most essential and of a short list of grammatical rules and designed to serve both as an auxiliary language and as an introduction to English
Examples of basic in a Sentence
Noun (1)
He's teaching me the basics of Japanese cooking.
He starts basic in two months.
Noun (2)
The program is written in BASIC.
Recent Examples on the Web
A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
The average school of the nine schools on the chopping block is about 90 years old, and Walters said consolidation should eventually free up money for basics like air conditioning, accessibility and infrastructure upgrades, making remaining schools more modern and welcoming.
—Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Aaron Marcum, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
But introductory courses will still prohibit using AI for classwork — so students learn the basics without relying too much on the technology.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for basic
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Noun
The second floor also features a kid-friendly and interactive section on the basics of American democracy — the separation of powers, freedom of speech (including book bans), and voting rights.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
The average school of the nine schools on the chopping block is about 90 years old, and Walters said consolidation should eventually free up money for basics like air conditioning, accessibility and infrastructure upgrades, making remaining schools more modern and welcoming.
—Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Noun
Most founders recruit great talent, show them a few basics, then expect them to self-navigate while putting out the next fire.
—Aaron Marcum, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
But introductory courses will still prohibit using AI for classwork — so students learn the basics without relying too much on the technology.
—Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for basic
Cite this Entry
“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basic. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
basic
1 of 3 adjective
ba·sic
ˈbā-sik 
-zik
1
: of, relating to, or forming the base or basis : fundamental
basic research
2
: of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base
basically
adverb
-si-k(ə-)lē,
-zi-
basic
2 of 3 noun
: something basic : fundamental
BASIC
3 of 3 noun
BA·SIC
ˈbā-sik
-zik
: a simplified language for programming and interacting with a computer
Etymology
Noun
Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
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