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
Critics argue that taxpayers absorb the risk while the financial upside flows primarily to private companies and their investors.
—Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
Unlike Ohtani, who primarily played in the outfield early in his career, Owens and Kim will naturally put more stress on their arms at shortstop.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
This primarily eastern San Gabriel Valley district also includes parts of San Bernardino County.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
Andrea Riquier Inflation remains above target primarily because of goods and tariffs, Powell said in his news conference.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for primarily
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Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026
Unlike Ohtani, who primarily played in the outfield early in his career, Owens and Kim will naturally put more stress on their arms at shortstop.
—Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026
This primarily eastern San Gabriel Valley district also includes parts of San Bernardino County.
—Linh Tat, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
Andrea Riquier Inflation remains above target primarily because of goods and tariffs, Powell said in his news conference.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for primarily
Cite this Entry
“Primarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primarily. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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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