primal

adjective

pri·​mal ˈprī-məl 

1

: original, primitive

village life continued in its primal innocence

—Van Wyck Brooks

2

: first in importance : primary

Synonyms

• main
• greatest
• primary
• highest
• predominant
• dominant
• foremost
• big
• first
• central
• supreme

Examples of primal in a Sentence

the primal theme of the essay is toleration of religious diversity

there was a period of primal idealism after the founding of the republic and before the rise of partisan politics

Recent Examples on the Web

He was also helped by film composer John Williams’ memorable two-note motif in the Jaws soundtrack that fed into primal fears about unseen predators being afoot and approaching. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025

Two simple notes – E and F – have become synonymous with tension, fear and sharks, representing the primal dread of being stalked by a predator. —Jared Bahir Browsh, The Conversation, 18 June 2025

While those by his side jumped for joy and screamed at the top of their lungs in primal celebrations, South Africa’s skipper simply bowed his head and tried to soak in the moment. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025

It’s set in an empty warehouse loft, with light shooting through propeller fans (very Adrian Lyne), and with Miley, in her primal assertion of feminine dominion, joined by Naomi Campbell, the two of them obliterating the need for anyone else. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from prime entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing primal

• primal scream therapy

Rhymes for primal

• thymol
• ependymal
• mesenchymal
• lachrymal
• lacrimal

Kids Definition

primal

adjective

pri·​mal ˈprī-məl 

1

: of or relating to the first period or state : primitive

2

: first in importance : basic