primaries

Cultural  

1. State elections of delegates to the nominating convention that chooses a major party's presidential candidate. In some states, delegates are elected by popular vote; in other states, party caucus es or miniconventions choose delegates.

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Primaries occur at different times during the presidential election year, a situation that drags out the process by which parties nominate candidates but allows wide public exposure to candidates and issues.

Example Sentences

Dozens of "islanders" ended up being chosen as party candidates during November's primaries.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Often, it comes down to who their friends are,” he said, noting that endorsements from interest groups and other elected officials are usually more valuable in primaries than general elections.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

We bookend this week with a couple of primaries to watch in Texas on Tuesday—beyond the Senate primaries, as you already know to watch those.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

He was the second Democratic presidential contender to host “Saturday Night Live” that year: George McGovern, who dropped out shortly after the primaries, fronted the April 14 episode.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

As a whole, the general election had been less grueling than the pitched battle of the primaries.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama