primarily

adverb

pri·​mar·​i·​ly prī-ˈmer-ə-lē How to pronounce primarily (audio)
also prə-
chiefly British ˈprī-mə-rə-lē
Synonyms of primarilynext
1
: for the most part : chiefly
… has now become primarily a residential town …S. P. B. Mais
2
: in the first place : originally

Examples of primarily in a Sentence

the university was primarily an agricultural college when it was founded over two centuries ago ketchup is primarily made from tomatoes
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.
Evans and Rochell were re-signed to primarily serve as special teams cogs. Mike Kaye march 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026 And city residents question whether the strategy will produce lasting gains or primarily serve short-term political goals. Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026 The collection is primarily made up of unique off-field wear, like oversized, knit, and V-neck pieces based on older kits, as well as edgy, upcycled styles. Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026 The show was primarily set in the seaside town of Cabot Cove, Maine, though Jessica would often travel to other locales as cases unfolded. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for primarily

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of primarily was in 1601

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Primarily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primarily. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

primarily

adverb
pri·​mar·​i·​ly prī-ˈmer-ə-lē How to pronounce primarily (audio)
1
: for the most part : chiefly
2
: in the first place : originally

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