primary election

noun

1. primary.

primary election

noun

1. See primary

Word History and Origins

Origin of primary election¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

Allwright, which argued that Texas Democrats’ policy prohibiting Black people from voting in primary elections allowed white supremacist candidates to effectively make one party dominant in the state.

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The 2026 midterms are more than a year away, but some high-profile primary election battles in the Democratic Party are gaining national attention.

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The primary elections in California are scheduled for June 2, 2026.

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The Democrats running for California governor have spent the spring and summer working to win over the powerful donors and interest groups who could help them squeak through a competitive primary election.

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Unlike New York, which holds party primaries, most California jurisdictions hold nonpartisan primary elections in which all parties run on the same ticket — known as a top-two or jungle primary.

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