1
: of, belonging to, or seeming to come from an early time in the very ancient past
the time when primitive man first learned to use fire
primitive animals/plants [=animals/plants that lived in ancient times or that have not changed much since ancient times]
2
: not having a written language, advanced technology, etc.
primitive societies/cultures
3
: very simple and basic : made or done in a way that is not modern and that does not show much skill
primitive [=crude] tools
The technology they used was primitive and outdated.
The camp had only a primitive outdoor toilet.
4
: coming from the part of a person that is wild or like an animal : not based on reason
primitive instincts/feelings/fears
plural primitives
formal
1
: an artist who makes art in a simple style that is childlike
also
: the art made by such an artist
The museum is known for its collection of American primitives.
2
old-fashioned
: someone who belongs to a primitive society
a Stone Age primitive
Cite this Entry
“Primitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/primitive. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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