anointed; anointing; anoints

transitive verb

1
: to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance
2
a
: to apply oil to as part of a religious ceremony
The priest anointed the sick.
b
: to choose by or as if by divine election
anoint him as his successor
also : to designate as if by a ritual anointment
Critics have anointed her as an important new literary figure.
anointer noun
anointment noun

Examples of anoint in a Sentence

The magazine anointed her the most popular actress of the year. anoint the wound with antiseptic to prevent infection
Recent Examples on the Web World & Nation Europe turns from Trump-proofing to hope as Kamala Harris is anointed Democratic candidate Aug. 21, 2024 The 39-member Cabinet includes primarily ministers from Macron’s centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans. Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024 Since Harris was anointed the Democratic Party nominee, Trump has been trying to bait her with insults and calumny. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2024 For weeks leading up to the election, opinion polls anointed him a prohibitive favorite to win the election, much like Hillary Clinton in 2016. Anu Gupta, TIME, 13 Sep. 2024 But his early appointments to the Politburo, including Luong Tam Quang, whose father was a bodyguard for Lam’s father, and deputy prime minister positions betray a preference for anointing allies loyal to him personally rather than to any of the party’s factions. Huong Le Thu, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anoint 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anoint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enoint, past participle of enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from in- + unguere to smear — more at ointment

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anoint was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near anoint

Cite this Entry

“Anoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anoint. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

anoint

verb
1
: to rub over with oil or an oily substance
2
: to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony
anointer noun
anointment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on anoint

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