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.
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Barrett is hoping the board will approve an MOU with Teddy Sullivan and Karos Counseling, specializing in counseling for younger elementary students. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 For instance, in 1970 the mathematician John Conway introduced the Game of Life, where an elementary set of rules governing the movement of pixels on a screen leads to remarkably rich ecosystems. — Noah Giansiracusa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 Research from a Texas Christian University professor shows elementary students who get an hour of outdoor play daily perform better in the classroom. — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 Telra Institute, a public charter school in Charlotte, also ranked in the top 20 among local elementary and middle schools. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 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 Nov. 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
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