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
By starting early with high school and even elementary education, institutions can introduce students to the importance of natural resources and the role of mining in the energy transition.
—
Ed MacHa, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Breakfasts will cost $1.50 for elementary students and $1.75 for intermediate and high school students.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
Overall, 41 kids and adults were arrested and accused of making violent threats against 42 elementary, middle and high schools in the Metro Nashville Public Schools system this past school year, according to police data.
—Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025
An investigation into the death of elementary student Benedict Blythe on December 21, 2021 found that the boy, who had an allergy to milk, eggs, kiwi, and nuts, had been exposed to cow protein at Barnack Primary School in the English town of Stamford, per the BBC.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Ed MacHa, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Breakfasts will cost $1.50 for elementary students and $1.75 for intermediate and high school students.
—Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
Overall, 41 kids and adults were arrested and accused of making violent threats against 42 elementary, middle and high schools in the Metro Nashville Public Schools system this past school year, according to police data.
—Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 14 July 2025
An investigation into the death of elementary student Benedict Blythe on December 21, 2021 found that the boy, who had an allergy to milk, eggs, kiwi, and nuts, had been exposed to cow protein at Barnack Primary School in the English town of Stamford, per the BBC.
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 9 July 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 25 Jul. 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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