originally
adverb
orig·i·nal·ly
ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl-ē 
-ˈrij-nə-lē,
-ˈri-jən-
1
archaic
: by origin or derivation : inherently
2
: in the beginning : in the first place : initially
3
: in a fresh or original manner
Examples of originally in a Sentence
That van originally belonged to us.
The building was originally a school.
They originally planned to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead.
Originally, the word had a very different meaning from its current meaning.
a New Yorker who is originally from Mexico
She has shown an ability to think originally about ways to improve the company.
Recent Examples on the Web
About 40% of young Thais with heroin addictions originally started with cannabis, according to him.
—
Pathom Sangwongwanich / Bloomberg, TIME, 27 June 2024
Both actresses originally auditioned for the role of Amy Santiago, the only character written as Latina and the eventual love interest to Andy Samberg’s kooky, laissez-faire Jake Peralta.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024
Con La Sonora Dinamita de Colombia is a Mexican-Colombian cumbia group that originally formed in 1960 and has released over 30 albums.
—Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 27 June 2024
Dexter originally ran for eight seasons, from 2006 to 2013, on Showtime, winning four Emmys along the way.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for originally 
Pathom Sangwongwanich / Bloomberg, TIME, 27 June 2024
Both actresses originally auditioned for the role of Amy Santiago, the only character written as Latina and the eventual love interest to Andy Samberg’s kooky, laissez-faire Jake Peralta.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024
Con La Sonora Dinamita de Colombia is a Mexican-Colombian cumbia group that originally formed in 1960 and has released over 30 albums.
—Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 27 June 2024
Dexter originally ran for eight seasons, from 2006 to 2013, on Showtime, winning four Emmys along the way.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for originally
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'originally.' 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 originally
Cite this Entry
“Originally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originally. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
originally
adverb
orig·i·nal·ly
ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl-ē
-nəl-ē
1
: in the beginning : in the first place
2
: in an original manner
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