sedimentary

adjective

sed·​i·​men·​ta·​ry ˌse-də-ˈmen-tə-rē How to pronounce sedimentary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē
1
: of, relating to, or containing sediment
sedimentary deposits
2
: formed by or from deposits of sediment
sedimentary rock

Examples of sedimentary in a Sentence

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.
Durupınar is a natural geological formation composed of sedimentary material rich in iron oxides. — Eric Vanden Eykel, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026 Grapes for this delightful white are grown in ocean floor sedimentary soils that contain quartz crystals. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026 Workers were digging in a fossil-rich sedimentary rock unit known as the Santiago Formation. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Scientists initially expected Perseverance to encounter sedimentary rocks deposited along the shoreline of the ancient lake that once filled Jezero. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sedimentary

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sedimentary was in 1830

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Cite this Entry

“Sedimentary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sedimentary. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

sedimentary

adjective
sed·​i·​men·​ta·​ry ˌsed-ə-ˈment-ə-rē How to pronounce sedimentary (audio)
-ˈmen-trē
1
: of, relating to, or containing sediment
2
: formed by or from sediment
sedimentary rock
compare igneous, metamorphic
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