nominates; nominated; nominating
1
a
: to formally choose (someone) as a candidate for a job, position, office, etc.
We expect the party to nominate him for president.
The President nominated her for Attorney General.
—often used as (be) nominatedShe was nominated for a second term.
b
: to choose (someone) for a job, position, office, etc.
The chairman can nominate [=name, appoint] three members to the committee.
Someone has to tell her the truth—I nominate you.
—often used as (be) nominatedHe was nominated to the Supreme Court.
She was nominated by the chairman.
2
: to choose (someone or something) as a candidate for receiving an honor or award
We nominated her for player of the year.
—often used as (be) nominatedHe was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film.
She was nominated as Best Actress three times in her career.
Cite this Entry
“Nominate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/nominate. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
