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
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
Debates over integration are far from settled Last year, before President Trump took office, Concordia Parish rejected a Justice Department plan that would have ended its case if the district combined several majority white and majority Black elementary and middle schools.
—
Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Since 2019, Hawkins has led Student Support Services in Valparaiso including special education and social workers after beginning her career as an elementary teacher in 2001.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Bassett has worked for the Anoka-Hennepin School District for 28 years and is currently an elementary art teacher, a spokesperson for the district said.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
The engaging presentations invited all attendees — particularly elementary and middle school students — to celebrate the wonders of biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and engineering.
—Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Since 2019, Hawkins has led Student Support Services in Valparaiso including special education and social workers after beginning her career as an elementary teacher in 2001.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Bassett has worked for the Anoka-Hennepin School District for 28 years and is currently an elementary art teacher, a spokesperson for the district said.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
The engaging presentations invited all attendees — particularly elementary and middle school students — to celebrate the wonders of biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and engineering.
—Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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