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
The position of elementary education among the least susceptible to poverty might be surprising, but elementary school teachers are scarce and in demand.
—
Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Matthew McConaughey plays a struggling school bus driver worried about his situation at home when he's called in to get 22 elementary students and their teacher (America Ferrera) to safety amid constant flames and hazardous conditions.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
According to Florida law, that includes police stations, prisons, polling places, elementary or secondary school buildings and locations where open carry is prohibited by federal law.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 16 Sep. 2025
This year Tanish and Ian also hope to launch an initiative to teach financial literacy and the basics of money management to elementary and middle school students through presentations and activities.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Matthew McConaughey plays a struggling school bus driver worried about his situation at home when he's called in to get 22 elementary students and their teacher (America Ferrera) to safety amid constant flames and hazardous conditions.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
According to Florida law, that includes police stations, prisons, polling places, elementary or secondary school buildings and locations where open carry is prohibited by federal law.
—Max Rego, The Hill, 16 Sep. 2025
This year Tanish and Ian also hope to launch an initiative to teach financial literacy and the basics of money management to elementary and middle school students through presentations and activities.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 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 18 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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