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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The André x Elho capsule is part of the winter 2025-26 collection, whose novelties include a down version of Elho’s bomber jacket, anointed the Astro and boasting 90 percent recycled down and a high-quality ripstop fabric. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025 Gustavo Dudamel has had a lot of chances to make a first impression on the podium of the New York Philharmonic — as rookie phenom, visiting superstar, anointed future music director, and now the orchestra’s not–yet–but–de facto artistic boss. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 Fathertime has been anointed by the father, son and the holy spirit. Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal, 14 Sep. 2025 At which point Tyler re-enters the room and is given up by the terrified crowd (and, more importantly, anointed by Joan) as one of three people — including Bracken and one of the show’s dancers — who must make the film’s titular sacrifice to save the world from an imminent catastrophe. Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anoint

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

Cite this Entry

“Anoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anoint. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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