direct primary

noun

: a primary in which nominations of candidates for office are made by direct vote

Examples of direct primary 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.
If a vacancy occurred at least 130 days before the next statewide direct primary election, an appointee would serve temporarily, and voters would choose a supervisor at that election to complete the remainder of the term. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Some ideas for reform are to increase price transparency, expand Health Savings Accounts and portability, and remove barriers on innovative healthcare solutions such as telemedicine and direct primary care. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 In parallel, concierge and direct primary care practices have expanded greatly in recent years. — Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Political attack ads abound ahead of the June 2 statewide direct primary election, with competing candidates finding new, creative ways to rip each other apart over their records on immigration, corruption or cashing in on the fossil fuel industry. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for direct primary

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direct primary was in 1900

Rhymes for direct primary

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Browse Nearby Words

direct positive
direct primary
direct printing
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Cite this Entry

“Direct primary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20primary. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on direct primary

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about direct primary

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