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 a separate statement, Keller’s board of trustees thanked Johnson for her fiscal leadership and for her leadership in implementing a student cell phone ban during school hours as well as bringing armed security to elementary and intermediate campuses. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2025 Interestingly, many of the elementary schools built here from 1886-1891 were named for poets, including John Greenleaf Whittier. Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025 Most districts use the same buses for all their students, staggering start times for their elementary, middle and high schools. Leslie Postal, Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2025 That's an ideal fit for elementary and high-school classroom settings, where almost all issued laptops have touch screens. Michael Kan, PCMAG, 26 Feb. 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 14 Mar. 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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