noun
- preliminary elections held before the main election, typically to select candidates or delegates
Usage: political context; plural form
Examples
- The party held preelections to choose their candidate for mayor.
- Voter turnout was low during the preelections last month.
- Several candidates withdrew before the preelections began.
- The preelections will determine who advances to the general election.
- Campaign spending increased significantly during the preelections.
- Local media covered the preelections extensively.