primarily
adverb
pri·mar·i·ly
prī-ˈmer-ə-lē 
also prə-,
chiefly British ˈprī-mə-rə-lē
1
: for the most part : chiefly
has now become primarily a residential town—
S. P. B. Mais
S. P. B. Mais2
: in the first place : originally
Examples of primarily in a Sentence
the university was primarily an agricultural college when it was founded over two centuries ago
ketchup is primarily made from tomatoes
Recent Examples on the Web
Rec currently has more than 30 employees, primarily in product design and engineering roles.
—Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The study also found that nearly half the respondents — highest on record — had diverted investments planned for China to other regions, primarily Southeast Asia.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
These whales depend primarily on Chinook salmon, which have declined dramatically due to habitat loss and climate change.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
But after The Bob Newhart Show, Bonerz primarily turned his focus to directing.
—Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primarily
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Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The study also found that nearly half the respondents — highest on record — had diverted investments planned for China to other regions, primarily Southeast Asia.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025
These whales depend primarily on Chinook salmon, which have declined dramatically due to habitat loss and climate change.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
But after The Bob Newhart Show, Bonerz primarily turned his focus to directing.
—Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for primarily
Cite this Entry
“Primarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primarily. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
primarily
adverb
pri·mar·i·ly
prī-ˈmer-ə-lē
1
: for the most part : chiefly
2
: in the first place : originally
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