elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē How to pronounce elementary (audio)
-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
3
elementarily adverb
elementariness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In spring 2025, about two-thirds of elementary classroom rosters met the 1995 policy guidelines, and just 14% of MPS schools met the stretch goal under the facilities plan, the Journal Sentinel found. Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Although Vaughns takes on a nickname of the school, the middle school campus and its elementary counterpart were named after Milton Leonard Kirkpatrick, a Black Fort Worth educator who fought for equal education for Black students and equal pay for Black teachers. Lina Ruiz august 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025 Lake Travis enacted a cellphone ban at the middle and elementary level this year, and its School Health Advisory Committee at a meeting last month noted that members would like to discuss a possible ban at the high school. Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 Herold received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in educational leadership from Indiana University-Bloomington. Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for elementary

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of elementary was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

elementary

adjective
el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌel-ə-ˈment-ə-rē How to pronounce elementary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē
1
: of or relating to the simplest principles of a subject
2
: of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education

More from Merriam-Webster on elementary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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