elementary

adjective

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

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 The bond money would pay for new construction for elementary and middle schools, gym additions at J.C. Harmon and F.L. Schlagle high schools and other major renovations. Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 29 Feb. 2024 In the document obtained by WIRED, the sensor equipment is shown to be installed at various places across a city, such as at elementary and high schools, hospitals and public housing complexes and on billboards. Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 The youngest of four, my mom lived in the then-burgeoning neighborhood of La Sierra, when homes were just starting to be developed and the elementary and high school had yet to be built. Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024 Inside the back area, elementary math teachers and cafeteria assistants listened to recordings of 911 calls from school shootings. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 The state spent a great deal of time and money to make sure that all early elementary teachers were adept at the teaching of reading through a system of Reading Academies. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2024 Another elementary teacher in the district, LaTasha Olsen, tries to avoid even driving past it. Jenny Vrentas, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2024 For elementary students, the day will be 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Middle and High School students will do classwork from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shelby County teachers are available throughout the day, and student participation is recorded, according to the district via a Facebook post. Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 Half of teachers, for example, say students should not learn about gender identity in school, including nearly 2 in 3 elementary educators. USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elementary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near elementary

Cite this Entry

“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on elementary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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