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 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. The primitive surgery of those days left him virtually deaf in one ear. It's using some rather primitive technology.

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

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.

Definition of primitive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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, usage, and quotation evidence.

primitive, n. & adj. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English ...

The technology they used was primitive and outdated. The camp had only a primitive outdoor toilet. The museum is known for its collection of American primitives.