nominate

American  

[nom-uh-neyt, nom-uh-nit] / ˈnɒm əˌneɪt, ˈnɒm ə nɪt /

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.

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adjective

1. having a particular name.

nominate British  

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

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adjective

1. rare having a particular name

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of nominate

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

Explanation

When you suggest a person for a position in the government, or propose a theme for your school's prom, you nominate that person or idea, especially if it's done in an official way. In the United States, political parties hold primary elections and conventions to nominate candidates for president. The word nominate originally meant "to call by name," from the Latin word for "name," nomen , but by 1600 it began to be used to talk about politics.

Example Sentences

There are also deadlines approaching for postal votes and proxy votes - when you nominate someone to vote on your behalf.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Then: “If he chooses to nominate somebody else and asks me to go do something else, I will say, ‘Thank you very much.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

The FDA asked the industry to nominate substances for inclusion on the list.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

And for the open seat in Iowa, Democrats seem likely to nominate a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who represents the reddest state house seat held by a Democrat.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

I could nominate her and then vote for her.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Related Words

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