elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

a

: of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something

b

: of or relating to an elementary school

2

: elemental sense 1a

3

: elemental sense 2

elementarily

ˌe-lə-ˌmen-ˈter-ə-lē 

-ˈmen-trə-lē

adverb

elementariness

ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē-nəs 

-ˈmen-trē-

noun

Synonyms of elementary

• basic
• rudimentary
• introductory
• fundamental

Examples of elementary in a Sentence

He is lacking even the most elementary notions of fairness.

The researchers made an elementary error.

He has an elementary understanding of calculus.

Recent Examples on the Web

Vargas points to a significant move made by the Los Angeles Unified School District last year, impacting all elementary and middle school campuses. —Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Fall and spring bring vibrant elementary-school-run street fairs in every neighborhood. —The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026

The next highest compensated within the category in 2025, falling between about $87,000 and $70,000, includes seven teachers, an elementary superintendent, a librarian, a special education support specialist and a multilingual multicultural education specialist. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026

At the elementary level, the figure collapses to 11%. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing elementary

• elementary charge
• elementary particle
• elementary school

Rhymes for elementary

• complementary
• entry
• gentry
• sentry

Kids Definition

elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌel-ə-ˈment-ə-rē 

-ˈmen-trē

1

: of or relating to the simplest principles of a subject

2

: of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education