running mate
- a candidate for an office linked with another and more important office, as for the vice-presidency.
- a horse entered in a race in which another, more important, horse from the same stable, or belonging to the same owner, is run.
- a close companion.
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Origin of running mate
An Americanism dating back to 1865–70
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for running mate
Contemporary Examples
Running-Mate Question Allows Candidates to Flatter Each Other If ever there was an “Are we in high school?”
She and George Pataki did not know each other when he asked her to be his running-mate.
Historical Examples
Why Madero insists on that running-mate we don't understand.
Diplomatic DaysEdith O'Shaughnessy
It is rumored that from the state of sisal and henequen he will pick his running-mate.
Diplomatic DaysEdith O'Shaughnessy
She was treated, accordingly, as some exquisite chorus-girl or cabaret-pony that he had selected as a running-mate.
We Can't Have EverythingRupert Hughes
She took good care to choose Désirée for her "running-mate," and as they were both fleet of foot they scored considerably.
The Jolliest School of AllAngela Brazil
running mate
- US a candidate for the subordinate of two linked positions, esp a candidate for the vice-presidency
- a horse that pairs another in a team
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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