primarily

adverb

pri·​mar·​i·​ly prī-ˈmer-ə-lē How to pronounce primarily (audio)
 also  prə-,
 chiefly British  ˈprī-mə-rə-lē
1
: for the most part : chiefly
has now become primarily a residential townS. 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.
The jobs, primarily servers, clerks, housekeepers, kitchen staff and farm workers, pay between $14.17 and $23.01 an hour. Zach Everson, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 On the field, the game is primarily fought on the ground at a time when up-tempo, pass-heavy offensive attacks are in vogue across college and professional football. Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024 Watch as rare white orca is spotted swimming off the California coast Nat Geo drops stunning photos for 2024 'Pictures of the Year': See the images What is bird flu? Bird flu is a disease caused by a family of flu viruses primarily transmitted among birds. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 His decision, the person said, stemmed primarily from concerns about his development under Riley and wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near primarily

Cite this Entry

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

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

More from Merriam-Webster on primarily

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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