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
As children grow, Pre-Performing Arts and Fundamentals programs introduce preschool and elementary students to ballet foundations, tap rhythms, musical theatre vocabulary, and the joy of ensemble work.
—
Maria Williams, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Susan Neuman, a professor of childhood and literacy education at NYU and former federal assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education, works with students in New York City public schools on reading practices.
—Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Many of the children of those 25 million parents, including 850,000 elementary schoolers, are on their own after school, according to the report.
—Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
The distribution of schools earning each letter grade appears to be largely consistent across elementary, middle and high schools, according to the Education Department.
—Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Maria Williams, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Susan Neuman, a professor of childhood and literacy education at NYU and former federal assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education, works with students in New York City public schools on reading practices.
—Gordon Ebanks, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Many of the children of those 25 million parents, including 850,000 elementary schoolers, are on their own after school, according to the report.
—Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
The distribution of schools earning each letter grade appears to be largely consistent across elementary, middle and high schools, according to the Education Department.
—Arkansas Online, 19 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 28 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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