originally

adverb

orig·i·nal·ly ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl-ē

-ˈrij-nə-lē,

-ˈri-jən-

Synonyms of originally

archaic : by origin or derivation : inherently

: in the beginning : in the first place : initially

: 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

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.

Pabst also originally posted that a truck was stolen, though company officials later clarified no vehicle went missing. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 Kelenic originally arrived in Atlanta after the Braves acquired him from the Seattle Mariners in December 2023. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 The sellers decided to put the marble over the top and update it with elegance, without taking away what was originally here. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The move was originally announced in April, following widespread speculation about his retirement. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for originally

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of originally was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Kids Definition

originally

adverb

orig·i·nal·ly ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl-ē

-nəl-ē

: in the beginning : in the first place

: in an original manner

originally

adverb

Synonyms of originally

Examples of originally in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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