direct primary

noun

, U.S. Politics.

1. a primary in which members of a party nominate its candidates by direct vote.

direct primary

noun

1. government a primary in which voters directly select the candidates who will run for office

direct primary

1. An election in which voters choose candidates to run on a party's ticket in a subsequent election for public office.

Word History and Origins

Origin of direct primary¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

In the past several years, dispensing has also become popular among physicians in the direct primary care movement—a fast-growing clinical model that aims to offer low-cost care without involving insurance companies.

From Popular-Science

We had in California on the 16th day of August (less than a month ago) a direct-primary election.

From Project Gutenberg

Because Wisconsin has made good use of the direct primary it does not follow that it will benefit the Filipino.

From Project Gutenberg

They forged the direct primary and the State University out of the impetus within themselves.

From Project Gutenberg

The vogue of the direct primary was confined largely to the West at first, but it steadily gained in favor in the East.

From Project Gutenberg

As we have seen, the direct primary was brought into action by men who found themselves outside of the old party intrenchments.

From Project Gutenberg