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
Last week, the Legislature approved a statewide school-day ban in elementary and middle schools.
—
Christopher J. Ferguson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
The committee also pushed back on Lamont over the Education Cost Sharing grant, the main funding program to support local elementary and secondary school operating expenses.
—Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025
The student population should be stable for the foreseeable future at the elementary and high school levels and a small increase is projected for the junior high level, according to district documents.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Once fully phased in, about 184,000 elementary and middle school students could have access to the city’s after-school programs, bringing the city’s total investment in after-school to $755 million per year.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elementary
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Christopher J. Ferguson, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
The committee also pushed back on Lamont over the Education Cost Sharing grant, the main funding program to support local elementary and secondary school operating expenses.
—Jessika Harkay, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025
The student population should be stable for the foreseeable future at the elementary and high school levels and a small increase is projected for the junior high level, according to district documents.
—Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025
Once fully phased in, about 184,000 elementary and middle school students could have access to the city’s after-school programs, bringing the city’s total investment in after-school to $755 million per year.
—Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 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 18 May. 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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