originally

adverb

orig·​i·​nal·​ly ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce originally (audio)
-ˈrij-nə-lē,
-ˈri-jən-
1
archaic : by origin or derivation : inherently
2
: in the beginning : in the first place : initially
3
: 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.
Elixir Distillers head blender Ollie Chilton wasn’t originally planning to launch a whisky this year. Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 The schedule will bring to fruition a once-controversial project originally planned to be built on part of Mac Overstreet Park next to Valencia College’s Poinciana campus. Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025 Saudi authorities originally planned for The Line to house 1.5 million residents by 2030. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 That fragmented global access was not what Paramount had in mind ahead of the season 27 premiere of South Park, which is set to bow on Comedy Central in the U.S. and internationally on July 23, two weeks later than originally planned. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Originally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originally. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

originally

adverb
orig·​i·​nal·​ly ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce originally (audio)
-nəl-ē
1
: in the beginning : in the first place
2
: in an original manner

More from Merriam-Webster on originally

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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