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
Class 3 e-bikes are also banned from elementary and middle school campuses.
—
Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026
This academic year, the district extended the school day for elementary students by 20 minutes.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Specifically, the bond will help fund new special education spaces, early childhood education classrooms, safety upgrades, career and technical education expansions and additions to elementary and middle schools.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Achievement gaps between demographic groups persist, early literacy scores remain deeply concerning with many elementary students off grade level, and districts from Boston to the Berkshires are grappling with educator layoffs and shrinking student enrollment.
—State House News Service, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 5 Mar. 2026
This academic year, the district extended the school day for elementary students by 20 minutes.
—Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Specifically, the bond will help fund new special education spaces, early childhood education classrooms, safety upgrades, career and technical education expansions and additions to elementary and middle schools.
—Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026
Achievement gaps between demographic groups persist, early literacy scores remain deeply concerning with many elementary students off grade level, and districts from Boston to the Berkshires are grappling with educator layoffs and shrinking student enrollment.
—State House News Service, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 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 9 Mar. 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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