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.
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 Then again, rarely in that time has Curry ever had a running mate who does the things that Butler does. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2025 During the 2024 campaign, Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, incessantly blasted Joe Biden’s administration over the price of household staples such as meat, produce, milk and eggs. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 In August 2024, Driscoll spoke to PBS’ Frontline about his friendship with Vance to offer insights into Vance’s path from Yale to being Trump’s pick as a running mate. Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 1 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 6 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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