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

Though Welch has not yet announced it, admirers of the singer believe the primal scream video is part of the ramping-up promotion for her as-yet-unannounced follow-up to 2022’s Dance Fever album. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Aug. 2025

Nick battles against primal urges and the choice to preserve his family, as music from James Brown, Janis Joplin, Engelbert Humperdinck, Tom Jones and Bruce Springsteen spell out the high-stakes emotions at play. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 12 Aug. 2025

The film is permeated by pathos and a primal longing for safety. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025

Women’s trials and tribulations — and the pushbacks, heartfelt to humorous — were a primal wellspring for 20th century country music. —Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 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