ˈpraɪˌmeri 
British
ˈpraɪməri
always used before a noun
1
a
: most important : main
our primary [=principal] objective/goal
The economy was the primary focus of the debate.
Your safety is our primary [=foremost] concern.
b
: most basic or essential
primary needs
The family is the primary social unit of human life.
The primary function of our schools is to educate our young people.
2
: happening or coming first
the primary [=initial] stage of a civilization
We just started our primary flight training.
3
: not coming from or dependent on something else
The book is based mainly on primary sources rather than secondary sources.
4
chiefly British
: relating to the education of young children
primary [=(US) elementary] education/teachers
plural primaries
US
: an election in which members of the same political party run against each other for the chance to be in a larger and more important election
a presidential primary
called also (US) primary election
Cite this Entry
“Primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/primary. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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