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
Perez’s elementary-school-age daughter somehow survived the natural gas explosion at The Clyde apartments with only minor scratches, acording to Carmona.
—
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2026
One study found that AI chatbots were shown to help elementary-aged children learn English.
—Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
The mix of elementary, middle and high school options means families can often keep their children within a familiar feeder pattern from kindergarten through graduation — a feature that matters to parents weighing long-term stability over short-term affordability.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
Anderson said district officials decided to place all of its school athletic endeavors, from elementary to high school, under one director.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2026
One study found that AI chatbots were shown to help elementary-aged children learn English.
—Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
The mix of elementary, middle and high school options means families can often keep their children within a familiar feeder pattern from kindergarten through graduation — a feature that matters to parents weighing long-term stability over short-term affordability.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
Anderson said district officials decided to place all of its school athletic endeavors, from elementary to high school, under one director.
—Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 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 5 Jun. 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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