SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

direct cost

noun
Save Word
variants: or less commonly direct charge

Definition of direct cost

: a cost that may be computed and identified directly with a product, function, or activity and that usually involves expenditures for raw materials and direct labor and sometimes specific and identifiable items of overhead —contrasted with indirect cost

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More About direct cost

Dictionary Entries Near direct cost

direct control

direct cost

direct-coupled

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for direct cost

Cite this Entry

“Direct cost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20cost. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

riposte

Listen to the pronunciation of riposte

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Commonly Confused Words Quiz

  • vector image of a face with thought expression
  • I went to the ______ store to buy a birthday card.
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games