Oct 20, 2012 · The meaning of PRIMITIVE is not derived : original, primary. How to use primitive in a sentence.

PRIMITIVE definition: 1. relating to human society at a very early stage of development, with people living in a simple…. Learn more.

If you describe something as primitive, you mean that it is very simple in style or very old-fashioned. The conditions are primitive by any standards.

Of or relating to a nonindustrial, often tribal culture, especially one that is characterized by an absence of literacy and a low level of economic or technological complexity: primitive societies.

There are 39 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word primitive, nine of which are labelled obsolete, and one of which is considered derogatory. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, …

Sep 22, 2025 · primitive (comparative more primitive, superlative most primitive) Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first. quotations

Primitive definition: being the first or earliest of the kind or in existence, especially in an early age of the world.. See examples of PRIMITIVE used in a sentence.

PRIMITIVE meaning: 1 : of, belonging to, or seeming to come from an early time in the very ancient past; 2 : not having a written language, advanced technology, etc.

Biology being the first or earliest of the kind or in existence, esp. in an early age of the world: primitive forms of life. Biology early in the history of the world or of humankind.

• The cabin is primitive and lacks running water. • It was basic, primitive and very, very real. • It is a primitive but effective device for raising water from a well.