elementary

adjective

el·​e·​men·​ta·​ry ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē How to pronounce elementary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē
Synonyms of elementarynext
1
a
: of, relating to, or dealing with the simplest elements or principles of something
b
: of or relating to an elementary school
2
: elemental sense 1a
3
: elemental sense 2
elementarily
ˌe-lə-ˌmen-ˈter-ə-lē How to pronounce elementary (audio)
-ˈmen-trə-lē
adverb
elementariness
ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē-nəs How to pronounce elementary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē-
noun

Synonyms of elementary

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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.
The additional restrictions at these school districts come a few months after the school district and police department in Rocklin banned Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes on elementary and middle school campuses. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Adding West High School will require drawing a third zone, and the zone boundaries will affect the racial and socioeconomic balance of schools, along with transportation times and feeder patterns for elementary and middle schools. — Arkansas Online, 27 Aug. 2026 In elementary classrooms, students may choose research topics, plan their work, manage assignments, and take increasing responsibility for deadlines and long-term projects. — Jose Bolaños, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 The Homer-Center School District has delayed the start of the 2026-27 school year after mold was discovered in some elementary classrooms, school officials announced on Saturday. — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing elementary

Rhymes for elementary

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Browse Nearby Words

elementariness
elementary
elementary algebra
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Cite this Entry

“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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