nominate

[nom-uh-neyt, nom-uh-nit]

verb (used with object)

nominated, nominating 

1. to propose (someone) for appointment or election to an office.

   Synonyms: choose, pick

2. to appoint to a duty or office.

3. to propose for an honor, award, or the like.

4. Horse Racing.,  to register (a horse) as an entry in a race.

5. to name; designate.

6. Obsolete.,  to specify.

adjective

1. having a particular name.

nominate

verb

1. to propose as a candidate, esp for an elective office

2. to appoint to an office or position

3. to name (someone) to act on one's behalf, esp to conceal one's identity

4. (intr) to stand as a candidate in an election

5. archaic,  to name, entitle, or designate

adjective

1. rare,  having a particular name

Other Word Forms

• nominator noun
• renominate verb (used with object)
• unnominated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominate¹

1475–85; < Latin nōminātus (past participle of nōmināre to name, call by name), equivalent to nōmin- (stem of nōmen; nomen ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominate¹

C16: from Latin nōmināre to call by name, from nōmen name

Example Sentences

It’s gotten so bad that when we see an adult do the right thing and fork a foul ball over to a child, we’re practically nominating them for a Nobel.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

For his work, Legrand would be nominated for a Grammy and three Oscars, including best score and best song, for “I Will Wait for You.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Under Labour Party rules, a vote to find a new leader is triggered when 20% of its lawmakers nominate an alternative.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Reforms to the Fed’s balance sheet operations would also be on the agenda if Warsh is ultimately nominated.

Read more on Barron's

The album went on to be nominated for best rock album at the 39th Grammy Awards and earned No Doubt a Grammy nomination for best new artist that same year.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appoint 
• assign 
• choose 
• decide 
• draft 
• elect 
• elevate 
• name 
• present 
• propose 
• recommend 
• submit 
• suggest 
• tap