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
Synonyms
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
Attendance matters, from elementary to high school In the Ashwaubenon School District near Green Bay, solving attendance problems comes from routine, attention and persistence.
—
Nadia Scharf, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024
Des Moines Public Schools is considering whether to move sixth graders from middle to elementary buildings, potentially helping the district maximize space but leading to some school closures, board chairperson Jackie Norris tells Axios.
—Jason Clayworth, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024
Taylor holds a bachelor of science in elementary education from Ball State University, a master's in school administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a doctoral degree in executive educational leadership from Indiana University's Bloomington campus.
—Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024
The musicians range from elementary kids to high schoolers.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elementary 
Nadia Scharf, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024
Des Moines Public Schools is considering whether to move sixth graders from middle to elementary buildings, potentially helping the district maximize space but leading to some school closures, board chairperson Jackie Norris tells Axios.
—Jason Clayworth, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024
Taylor holds a bachelor of science in elementary education from Ball State University, a master's in school administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a doctoral degree in executive educational leadership from Indiana University's Bloomington campus.
—Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Oct. 2024
The musicians range from elementary kids to high schoolers.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elementary
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elementary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near elementary
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
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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