running mate

noun

1
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

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
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.
In the short term, Harmon will be a running mate with Heyward. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 Both governors have been talked about as possible contenders for the 2028 presidential election, and the Kentucky governor’s name was previously mentioned among the possible candidates to serve as a running mate for former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 campaign season. Tara Suter, The Hill, 10 Apr. 2025 He was rumored to be in the mix to be a running mate for Kamala Harris in 2024 and has long been considered a contender for a 2028 presidential run. Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025 Sure, the cornerback, running back and defensive line positions could use some boosting, but giving CeeDee Lamb a running mate in the receiving corps is crucial toward offensive success in year one under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for running mate

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of running mate was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Running mate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20mate. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

OSZAR »