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
Beyond elementary and secondary education, Dysolve is gaining traction among adults facing literacy challenges, college students, and even individuals in their eighties.
—
Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
To point out the obvious, Del Mar’s McClurg is paid significantly more than her counterparts at the other local elementary districts.
—Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Last August, the Connecticut State Board of Education approved voluntary guidelines for districts to create their own cellphone policies and recommended restrictions removing cellphones from all elementary and middle school classrooms.
—Nate Iglehart, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
The grants were for a wide array of research across disciplines, from a project to get elementary age girls interested in STEM to research on mangrove forests in the Dominican Republic.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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.
Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
To point out the obvious, Del Mar’s McClurg is paid significantly more than her counterparts at the other local elementary districts.
—Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Last August, the Connecticut State Board of Education approved voluntary guidelines for districts to create their own cellphone policies and recommended restrictions removing cellphones from all elementary and middle school classrooms.
—Nate Iglehart, Christian Science Monitor, 21 May 2025
The grants were for a wide array of research across disciplines, from a project to get elementary age girls interested in STEM to research on mangrove forests in the Dominican Republic.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 19 May 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 5 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share