originally
adverb
orig·i·nal·ly
ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl-ē 
-ˈrij-nə-lē,
-ˈri-jən-
1
archaic
: by origin or derivation : inherently
2
: in the beginning : in the first place : initially
3
: in a fresh or original manner
Examples of originally in a Sentence
That van originally belonged to us.
The building was originally a school.
They originally planned to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead.
Originally, the word had a very different meaning from its current meaning.
a New Yorker who is originally from Mexico
She has shown an ability to think originally about ways to improve the company.
Recent Examples on the Web
The spa Guests can unwind at the Bamford Wellness Spa, originally created by Carole Bamford in the English countryside.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Just before the deployment, there was an ugly scene at San Francisco International Airport after agents carried away a passenger, originally from Guatemala, who was waiting to board a domestic flight with her daughter.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
This Beirut apartment was originally published in AD Middle East.
—Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 29 Mar. 2026
The course was originally built in 2005.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originally
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Just before the deployment, there was an ugly scene at San Francisco International Airport after agents carried away a passenger, originally from Guatemala, who was waiting to board a domestic flight with her daughter.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
This Beirut apartment was originally published in AD Middle East.
—Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 29 Mar. 2026
The course was originally built in 2005.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originally
Cite this Entry
“Originally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originally. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
originally
adverb
orig·i·nal·ly
ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl-ē
-nəl-ē
1
: in the beginning : in the first place
2
: in an original manner
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