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.

The aircraft was originally designed for tactical logistics, transporting supplies to military personnel and vessels rather than engaging aerial targets. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 Oilstainlab Assembly was originally expected to begin in October. — New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026 The protesters, mostly young and dressed in black, congregated in front of police lines leading to Place de la Nation, where the organizers had originally intended to end the march. — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026 On Saturday morning, police cleared Place de la Bastille, where protesters had originally been expected to gather. — Richard Engel, NBC news, 24 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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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