What does nominate mean?
To nominate someone means formally to propose them for an office, award, or other position. The word often implies an official selection process: a party, committee, organization, or appointing authority announces a candidate whom other people may later vote for. It can also mean to appoint someone to a role without an electoral contest, as in naming a representative to a committee. In general contexts, “nominate” carries a sense of recognition and formal endorsement, while its political use specifically separates proposing a candidate from electing one. The related noun “nomination” names both the act of proposing someone and the person or proposal officially put forward. Although “name” can sometimes replace “nominate” informally, the formal verb suggests an organized selection, an institutional decision, or public endorsement rather than merely identifying someone.
verbTo formally propose a person or organization for an office, award, position, or other distinction. It can also mean to appoint or designate someone to a particular role.
- To formally propose a person or organization for an office, award, or distinction.
- To appoint or designate someone to a particular role, such as a committee member, representative, or officer.
"The committee nominated two candidates for the position of chair."
"The club nominated its former captain for the national coaching position."
"The president nominated three scientists to serve on the national advisory council."
The Latin word nominate literally meant “to name,” so a nomination begins with giving someone a place on a list of candidates.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nominate come from?
The verb comes from Latin nominare, “to name” or “to assign a name to,” formed from nomen, “name.” It entered English in the early 16th century in the sense of naming or designating someone for a position. Its modern sense of formally proposing a candidate developed from the idea of naming a person for an office. Latin nomen is also the source of cognates such as denomination, misnomer, and ignominy.
Related word forms
How nominate is actually used
In political contexts, “nominate” usually denotes the formal selection of a candidate, while the final choice comes through an election. It is standard in both British and American English, although British speakers may more often say “put forward” when describing a preliminary selection.
Easily confused with nominate
“Nominate” is a verb meaning to propose or appoint someone for a role, whereas “nominal” is an adjective meaning existing in name rather than in substance.
Nominating formally puts forward a candidate or assigns someone to a role, while electing means selecting a candidate through a vote.