What does "nominate" mean?

1. (to propose for a role) to officially suggest someone for a job, a prize, or a political position. 2. (to name or designate) to choose or name something for a specific purpose. 3. (to call a shot) in games like pool, to say which pocket you are aiming for before you hit the ball.

How do you use "nominate"?

Often used in the passive voice: 'She was nominated for...' Commonly followed by a noun phrase or 'as' + noun phrase.

nominate

US //ˈnɑməˌneɪt// UK //nˈɒmɪnˌeɪt// nom·i·nate

1 to propose for a role (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to officially suggest someone for a job, a prize, or a political position.

to formally propose a person for an office, award, or elective position. Transitive; requires a direct object.

Example

The committee decided to nominate her for the 'Teacher of the Year' award.

Example

The party members met behind closed doors to nominate a candidate who could appeal to both rural and urban voters.

Usage

Often used in the passive voice: 'She was nominated for...'

Teacher's tip

Learners often confuse this with 'appoint'. Remind them that nominating is just the suggestion; the person still has to win or be chosen.
- withdraw
- reject
2 to name or designate (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to choose or name something for a specific purpose.

to designate or name a person or thing for a specific duty or status. Often used in formal or legal contexts.

Example

You must nominate a person to handle your affairs if you are away.

Example

The treaty allows each participating nation to nominate two representatives to the international oversight council.

Usage

Commonly followed by a noun phrase or 'as' + noun phrase.

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3 to call a shot (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Sport

in games like pool, to say which pocket you are aiming for before you hit the ball.

to specify a target or intended outcome in advance, particularly in cue sports. Transitive use.

Example

In this version of the game, you have to nominate the pocket for every shot.

Example

The player failed to nominate the corner pocket, resulting in a foul despite successfully potting the black ball.
- call
- specify

Origin

PIE word *h₁nómn̥ The adjective is first attested in 1450, in Middle English, the verb in 1545; partly from Middle English nominat(e) (“named, designated”), from Latin nōminātus, perfect passive participle of nōminō (“to name”) (see -ate (etymology 1, 2 and 3)), from nōmen (“a name”). Participial usage of the adjective up until Early Modern English.