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

2

: in the first place : originally

Synonyms of primarily

• 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

But Price’s spokesperson pushed back on efforts to frame the race primarily around ethics controversies. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 9 May 2026

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses primarily found in species of rodents across the world. —Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

Department of Health Care Access and Information Director Elizabeth Landsberg said the agency would look for partner hospitals in at all parts of the state with a focus on facilities that primarily serve Medi-Cal patients. —Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 May 2026

Hantavirus is primarily spread by inhaling mouse feces and urine. —Eva Flowe may 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

primary entry 1 + -ly entry 2

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for primarily

• contrarily
• summarily
• airily
• caroli
• merrily
• verily
• warily
• wearily
• arbitrarily
• customarily
• militarily
• momentarily

Kids Definition

primarily

adverb

pri·​mar·​i·​ly prī-ˈmer-ə-lē 

1

: for the most part : chiefly

2

: in the first place : originally