running mate

noun

Synonyms of running matenext
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.
Klobuchar announced her lieutenant governor running mate, former Fergus Falls Mayor Ben Schierer, on Friday. Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 On the other hand, Valencia struck a more moderate tone, choosing a centrist candidate as her running mate. Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 31 May 2026 Polsky said in a phone interview that she has not been asked to be his running mate. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026 Sara Duterte and President Marcos were running mates in a whirlwind alliance in the 2022 election but have since had a bitter falling out. Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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
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