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.
Harris led a slightly over 100-day campaign with her running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the 2024 presidential election, following former President Joe Biden's withdrawal in July. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025 During last year’s election, a hacking operation linked to the Chinese government by a group called Salt Typhoon targeted the devices of Mr. Trump and JD Vance, his running mate. Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 What Fox brings to the Spurs The bold move comes at an opportune time for San Antonio, who desperately needed to add a running mate for Wembanyama that simply wasn’t there with the likes of Chris Paul or Devin Vassell. Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025 Walz rose to national prominence last year when Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris tapped him as her running mate. Steve Karnowski, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Running mate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20mate. Accessed 21 Mar. 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
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