primary industry

American  

noun

1. an industry, as agriculture, forestry, or fishing, that deals in obtaining natural materials.

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Etymology

Origin of primary industry

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

“Missoula used to be a wonderful place,” said Ken Sayler, 64, who grew up in the town when its primary industry sawmills.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2023

“The town had faded back to a few essentials,” Burr writes, “and its primary industry now was stubbornness.”

From New York Times • Jul. 21, 2022

With just 1.27 square miles of land area, New Hope’s primary industry is tourism.

From Washington Post • Dec. 29, 2021

Fishing is the primary industry, accounting for more than 90% of all exports.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2021

Sounds ideal for a city whose primary industry is the suspension of disbelief.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 12, 2021