primarily
adverb
pri·mar·i·ly
prī-ˈmer-ə-lē 
also prə-
chiefly British ˈprī-mə-rə-lē
1
: for the most part : chiefly
… has now become primarily a residential town …—
S. P. B. Mais
S. P. B. Mais2
: in the first place : originally
Examples of primarily in a Sentence
the university was primarily an agricultural college when it was founded over two centuries ago
ketchup is primarily made from tomatoes
Recent Examples on the Web
Juices contain high amounts of carbohydrates, primarily in the form of natural sugars, that your body can quickly absorb.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 9 Dec. 2025
Brazilian and Indian engagement with the Arctic has been primarily through bilateral partnerships with Russia.
—Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2025
With primarily modern architecture—and even some futuristic buildings—and a booming tech scene, the city is known for having a youthful, forward-thinking atmosphere.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2025
His appointment marks the creation of a new position at Berkshire, which has for decades primarily used external legal counsel for corporate matters.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primarily
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Merve Ceylan, Health, 9 Dec. 2025
Brazilian and Indian engagement with the Arctic has been primarily through bilateral partnerships with Russia.
—Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2025
With primarily modern architecture—and even some futuristic buildings—and a booming tech scene, the city is known for having a youthful, forward-thinking atmosphere.
—Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2025
His appointment marks the creation of a new position at Berkshire, which has for decades primarily used external legal counsel for corporate matters.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primarily
Cite this Entry
“Primarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primarily. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
primarily
adverb
pri·mar·i·ly
prī-ˈmer-ə-lē
1
: for the most part : chiefly
2
: in the first place : originally
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