originally

adverb

orig·​i·​nal·​ly ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce originally (audio)
-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
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.
Trump has successfully delayed his sentencing, which was originally scheduled for July 11, several times. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024 The brand had originally planned to launch the Ram 1500 REV in the first half of 2025. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 This post was originally published on December 16 Bitcoin has suddenly rocketed higher, passing its previous all-time high and climbing to over $106,000 as incoming U.S. president Donald Trump confirms his plan for a bitcoin game-changer. Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 The previous single-game record of 18 was originally set in Jan. 2009 and tied in Nov. 2014. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for originally 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of originally was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near originally

Cite this Entry

“Originally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originally. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

originally

adverb
orig·​i·​nal·​ly ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce originally (audio)
-nəl-ē
1
: in the beginning : in the first place
2
: in an original manner

More from Merriam-Webster on originally

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!