elementary
adjective
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
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
Alternatively, Dorfman’s two children attend elementary and middle school in a very affluent school district where the average suggested donation per child is more than $750, with active foundations fundraising for enrichment classes, sports programs and modern facilities.
—
Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
That Harvey waltzed in for a 40-yard touchdown was elementary.
—Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
If approved, the levy would sustain current class sizes, maintain literacy and math instruction, strengthen elementary enrichment opportunities and expand middle and high school career pathway options, according to the district.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2025
Pittsburg, which has 13 elementary, junior high, and high schools in total, is a full-service Community Schools District.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
That Harvey waltzed in for a 40-yard touchdown was elementary.
—Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
If approved, the levy would sustain current class sizes, maintain literacy and math instruction, strengthen elementary enrichment opportunities and expand middle and high school career pathway options, according to the district.
—Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 25 Oct. 2025
Pittsburg, which has 13 elementary, junior high, and high schools in total, is a full-service Community Schools District.
—Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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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