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

If there was once life on the red planet, sedimentary deposits in the coastal shelf might have preserved evidence of it, just as Earth's coastal sediments at times hold fossils from the continents, the researchers noted. —Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 20 Apr. 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

The exhibition features ceramics made of clay and soft sedimentary rock by contemporary artist Echo Morgan. —Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 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