anointed; anointing; anoints

transitive verb

1
: to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance
2
a
: to apply oil to as part of a religious ceremony
The priest anointed the sick.
b
: to choose by or as if by divine election
anoint him as his successor
also : to designate as if by a ritual anointment
Critics have anointed her as an important new literary figure.
anointer noun
anointment noun

Examples of anoint in a Sentence

The magazine anointed her the most popular actress of the year. anoint the wound with antiseptic to prevent infection
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.
His ruling Liberal Party today anoints his successor. CBS News, 9 Mar. 2025 Madonna’s presence at the Oscar viewing party, where the Material Girl loudly heckled Forrest Gump from her table, anointed the bash from the outset as a must-attend. Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025 The Supreme Court has anointed prayer in public schools. Lauren Jackson, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 All but anointed the starting catcher to begin 2024, Campusano started quickly only to see the innings, bumps and bruises and unmet expectations mount. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anoint

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enoint, past participle of enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from in- + unguere to smear — more at ointment

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anoint was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Anoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anoint. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

anoint

verb
1
: to rub over with oil or an oily substance
2
: to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony
anointer noun
anointment noun

More from Merriam-Webster on anoint

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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