sedimentary

adjective

sed·​i·​men·​ta·​ry ˌse-də-ˈmen-tə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

: of, relating to, or containing sediment

sedimentary deposits

2

: formed by or from deposits of sediment

sedimentary rock

Examples of sedimentary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Grand Staircase-​Escalante is a roughly two-million-​acre territory wedged between Bryce and Capitol Reef and named for its massive sequence of sedimentary rock layers, with one cliff-​and-​plateau following another. — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 25 June 2026

Scientists think this macromolecular (meaning large) complex carbon, could hold evidence that ancient microbial life once existed in the same sedimentary material, according to one new paper describing these observations. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 24 June 2026

Soil types include gravel and sedimentary loam closer to the river and volcanic rock distributed on the hillsides, a combination that adds distinct aromas, flavors, and minerality to the wines made here. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2026

However, the absence of distinct stratigraphy and the relatively thin sedimentary layer prompted questions about this interpretation. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sedimentary

• alimentary
• complimentary
• documentary
• parliamentary
• rudimentary
• supplementary
• testamentary
• integumentary
• uncomplimentary
• unparliamentary
• interparliamentary
• metasedimentary

Kids Definition

sedimentary

adjective

sed·​i·​men·​ta·​ry ˌsed-ə-ˈment-ə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

: of, relating to, or containing sediment

2

: formed by or from sediment

sedimentary rock

compare igneous, metamorphic