el·e·men·ta·ry
ˌe-lə-ˈmen-tə-rē 
-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
el·e·men·ta·ri·ness
ˌeləˈmentərēnə̇s
-n‧trē-,
-rin-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being elementary
Examples of elementary in a Sentence
Adjective
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
Elizabeth Dowdell,
The Conversation,
6 July 2026
Nelson is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings.
—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2026
The most recent example lies with none other than New York’s current leader, Zohran Mamdani, who arrived as an elementary-schooler and grew up wealthy on Riverside Drive but understands innately how to talk Knicks and the right bodega order.
—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
Police were called to the elementary and middle school, and authorities are now working to identify the deceased individual.
—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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show current usage.
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Adjective
Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially.
—
Elizabeth Dowdell,
The Conversation,
6 July 2026
Nelson is an accomplished educational leader with more than 20 years of experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings.
—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2026
The most recent example lies with none other than New York’s current leader, Zohran Mamdani, who arrived as an elementary-schooler and grew up wealthy on Riverside Drive but understands innately how to talk Knicks and the right bodega order.
—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
Police were called to the elementary and middle school, and authorities are now working to identify the deceased individual.
—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for elementary
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elementary
adjective
el·e·men·ta·ry
ˌel-ə-ˈment-ə-rē
-ˈmen-trē
1
: of or relating to the simplest principles of a subject
2
: of, relating to, or teaching the basic subjects of education
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