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
Los Gatos Union School District’s Measure CC is a bond measure that would secure $163 million to improve school facilities at its elementary and middle schools.
—
Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Rothenberg Preparatory Academy: This would become a neighborhood Montessori school for elementary students.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2024
While adult women may understand clearly the need for self-examination and regular mammograms, the Pink Jet’s striking hot magenta-and-bubblegum paint scheme connects with an equally important segment—girls in their elementary and preteen years.
—Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024
If only 31% of elementary students in Chicago Public Schools are meeting state standards in reading and only 19% are meeting math standards, what does that mean for the long-term trajectory in school?
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2024
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.
Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
Rothenberg Preparatory Academy: This would become a neighborhood Montessori school for elementary students.
—Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 4 Nov. 2024
While adult women may understand clearly the need for self-examination and regular mammograms, the Pink Jet’s striking hot magenta-and-bubblegum paint scheme connects with an equally important segment—girls in their elementary and preteen years.
—Julie Boatman, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024
If only 31% of elementary students in Chicago Public Schools are meeting state standards in reading and only 19% are meeting math standards, what does that mean for the long-term trajectory in school?
—Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elementary
Dictionary Entries Near elementary
Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 21 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share