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

Some ambulatory surgery centers, for instance, serve only cash-paying patients, and many physicians offer direct primary care, bypassing health insurance middlemen altogether.

From Washington Post

Biden administration officials are quick to direct primary credit for Ukraine’s staying power to the courage of its armed forces, with a supporting role to the Russian military’s ineptitude.

From Seattle Times

A concept called direct primary care is also steadily growing.

From Washington Post

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 Salon

“The assumption is that de-escalation can happen without direct primary police involvement,” said Mr. Wilson, who contributed to a recent analysis of responses to 911 calls by police departments.

From New York Times