running mate

noun

1

: companion

2

: a horse entered in a race to set the pace for a horse of the same owner or stable

3

: a candidate running for a subordinate place on a ticket

especially : the candidate for vice president

Synonyms of running mate

• associate
• colleague
• friend
• buddy
• peer

Examples of running mate in a Sentence

When John F. Kennedy ran for president, his running mate was Lyndon Johnson.

inseparable running mates who first met when they were in elementary school

Recent Examples on the Web

Interior running mate Christian Barmore will have opportunities to push around the Ravens’ offensive guards, both weak spots in their pass protection. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025

Challenges are pending for Gregg Moore, who does not have a running mate listed, and Joseph Severino and his running mate, Rantch Isquith. —Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 9 Dec. 2025

Even though the president previewed his actions during his 2024 campaign, many Republicans failed to take him seriously, including his running mate. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025

So far, the most national attention he’s received came in the summer of 2024, when Harris was considering him for her running mate. —Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 23 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for running mate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

running mate

noun

: a candidate running for a lesser office (as vice president) who is on the same ticket with the candidate for the top office