1
a
: of, relating to, or forming the base or essence : fundamental
basic truths
b
: concerned with fundamental scientific principles : not applied
basic research
2
: constituting or serving as the basis or starting point
a basic set of tools
3
a
: of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base
b
: having an alkaline reaction
4
: containing relatively little silica
basic rocks
5
: relating to, made by, used in, or being a process of making steel done in a furnace lined with basic material and under basic slag
1
: something that is basic : fundamental
get back to basics
2
computers
: a simplified high-level language for programming a computer
The program was written in BASIC.
Examples of basic in a Sentence
Adjective
In this class, you will learn the basic principles of chemistry.
At its most basic level, the book is about a father's relationship with his children.
The basic difference between the two companies is their size.
rights that are basic to all human beings
basic reading, writing, and mathematics
She lacks even the most basic skills necessary for the job.
That's just the basic salary without overtime or tips.
The motel is comfortable but pretty basic: you get the necessities all right, but no luxuries.
Noun (1)
He's teaching me the basics of Japanese cooking.
He starts basic in two months.
Noun (2)
The program is written in BASIC.
Recent Examples on the Web
Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Since Amazon unveiled Project Kuiper in 2019, officials at the retail giant have been shy about showing even the most basic imagery of their satellites.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 May 2025
Aleah Wright, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
The book breaks down the basics of baking, teaching you different techniques.
—Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for basic
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Adjective
In 2024, nurses on horseback delivered aid to Appalachian communities who had been cut off from basic care and services in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Since Amazon unveiled Project Kuiper in 2019, officials at the retail giant have been shy about showing even the most basic imagery of their satellites.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 May 2025
Noun
Bloomingdale’s and other stores that carry basics to create this high [and] low mix.
—Aleah Wright, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
The book breaks down the basics of baking, teaching you different techniques.
—Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for basic
Cite this Entry
“Basic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basic. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
basic
1 of 3 adjective
ba·sic
ˈbā-sik 
-zik
1
: of, relating to, or forming the base or basis : fundamental
basic research
2
: of, relating to, containing, or having the character of a chemical base
basically
adverb
-si-k(ə-)lē
-zi-
basic
2 of 3 noun
: something basic : fundamental
BASIC
3 of 3 noun
BA·SIC
ˈbā-sik
-zik
: a simplified language for programming and interacting with a computer
Etymology
Noun
Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
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