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dedicate

adjective
ded·​i·​cate | \ ˈde-di-kət How to pronounce dedicate (audio) \

Definition of dedicate

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: dedicated sense 1

dedicate

verb
ded·​i·​cate | \ ˈde-di-ˌkāt How to pronounce dedicate (audio) also ˈde-ˌdē-\
dedicated; dedicating

Definition of dedicate (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to devote to the worship of a divine being specifically : to set apart (a church) to sacred uses with solemn rites
2a : to set apart to a definite use money dedicated to their vacation fund
b : to commit to a goal or way of life ready to dedicate his life to public service
3 : to inscribe or address by way of compliment dedicate a book to a friend
4 : to open to public use
Other Words from dedicate Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about dedicate

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Other Words from dedicate

Verb

dedicator \ ˈde-​di-​ˌkā-​tər How to pronounce dedicator (audio) also  ˈde-​ˌdē-​ \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for dedicate

Verb

devote, dedicate, consecrate, hallow mean to set apart for a special and often higher end. devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective. devoted his evenings to study dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose. dedicated her life to medical research consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality. consecrate a church to the worship of God hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity. battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

Examples of dedicate in a Sentence

Verb

 The new park was dedicated today. a young attorney who has decided to dedicate her career to helping the poor receive justice

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 The shop has a whole side dedicated to edible products, like teas, Green Crown Swedish fish, gummy bears from CBD Hemp Edibles, and chocolate and honey from Cedarburg's Verdure. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "CBD changed their mom's life, so these Greendale natives turned it into a business," 30 Aug. 2019 Since then, West has been studying to become a lawyer herself, dedicating herself to learning about criminal justice reform. — Brooke Bobb, Vogue, "Kim Kardashian West’s First Skims Model is Alice Marie Johnson, The Woman She Freed From Prison," 29 Aug. 2019 Tons of food bloggers have also taken advantage of the rise in popularity by dedicating their time to creating Instant Pot recipes and videos. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, Good Housekeeping, "How to Choose Between an Instant Pot and a Crock-Pot," 27 Aug. 2019 Her anti-immigration efforts—founding some of the most active organizations dedicated to barring immigrants today—draw a straight line to President Trump’s views and the increasingly anti-immigration politics of the GOP. — Fortune, "Asking the Hard Questions About Universal Child Care: The Broadsheet," 16 Aug. 2019 Jay-Z recently announced a partnership with rapper Meek Mill and Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin to create the REFORM Alliance, an organization dedicated to battling injustice. — CBS News, "NFL and Jay-Z's Roc Nation join forces for entertainment and social activism," 13 Aug. 2019 Advertising Since she can’t live in the United States, Rodriguez has dedicated herself to assisting other migrants from the gay community on their journeys to Tijuana. — Tyrone Beason, The Seattle Times, "For gay, lesbian and trans migrants, a different journey awaits," 4 Aug. 2019 The annual event is hosted by Our Town Cicero, a community organization dedicated to beautifying downtown Cicero and promoting local businesses to attract visitors and economic development. — Natalia E. Contreras, Indianapolis Star, "This dinner party on the causeway in Cicero features an open bar and sunset serenade," 30 July 2019 Save Mount Diablo, an organization dedicated to preserving the mountain’s open space, will lead a four-hour hike on the mountain Oct. 6 to see the gentle giants in their search for love. — Joan Morris, The Mercury News, "12 coolest Bay Area things you didn’t know you could do," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dedicate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of dedicate

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for dedicate

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin dedicatus, past participle of dedicare to dedicate, from de- + dicare to proclaim, dedicate — more at diction

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More Definitions for dedicate

dedicate

verb
How to pronounce dedicate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of dedicate

: to officially make (something) a place for honoring or remembering a person, event, etc.

See the full definition for dedicate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dedicate

verb
ded·​i·​cate | \ ˈde-di-ˌkāt How to pronounce dedicate (audio) \
dedicated; dedicating

Kids Definition of dedicate

1 : to set apart for some purpose : devote The land was dedicated as a nature preserve.
2 : to commit to a goal or way of life She dedicated her life to finding a cure.
3 : to say or write that something (as a book or song) is written or performed as a compliment to someone “We at Flint's only soul station, WAMM, dedicate this song to Daniel, from Wilona.”— Christopher Paul Curtis, The Watsons

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