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
Elite schools:Here are Florida’s Top 10 elementary & middle schools, ranked by U.S. News & World Report
What states have the highest premiums for their best elementary school?
—
Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
Brady Reinke, currently the New Berlin School District's director of elementary teaching and learning, will take over as the new superintendent July 1, according to an April 15 news release from the Whitnall School District.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elementary 
Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
Brady Reinke, currently the New Berlin School District's director of elementary teaching and learning, will take over as the new superintendent July 1, according to an April 15 news release from the Whitnall School District.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Elementary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary. Accessed 3 May. 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
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