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
At the end of the presentation, elementary and middle school students crack glowsticks representing the categories that resonate for them the most.
—
Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 19 June 2024
The bankruptcy filing expected to be filed Monday will involve only the diocese itself, church officials said — not the 96 individual parishes, 49 elementary and secondary schools or the charitable or other programs that operate under the church’s guidance.
—Jeff McDonald, The Mercury News, 14 June 2024
Black elementary students in Montgomery County had the second highest rate of math proficiency at 34.3%, followed by Frederick County at 33.4%.
—Ethan Reese, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024
There are some exceptions with later end times such as 3 and 5:30 p.m.
Miami-Dade
Not all school sites in the Miami-Dade district have flashing lights to signal an active school zone, a traffic engineer told The Herald last year, but elementary and middle schools do have them.
—Alecia Taylor, Miami Herald, 10 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for elementary 
Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 19 June 2024
The bankruptcy filing expected to be filed Monday will involve only the diocese itself, church officials said — not the 96 individual parishes, 49 elementary and secondary schools or the charitable or other programs that operate under the church’s guidance.
—Jeff McDonald, The Mercury News, 14 June 2024
Black elementary students in Montgomery County had the second highest rate of math proficiency at 34.3%, followed by Frederick County at 33.4%.
—Ethan Reese, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024
There are some exceptions with later end times such as 3 and 5:30 p.m.
Miami-Dade
Not all school sites in the Miami-Dade district have flashing lights to signal an active school zone, a traffic engineer told The Herald last year, but elementary and middle schools do have them.
—Alecia Taylor, Miami Herald, 10 June 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 30 Jun. 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