English · Word Candidate

dedicate

/ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: dedicates · dedicating

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To set apart for a special use.

Verb

Examples

dedicated their money to scientific research.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

One who dedicates themselves, or who is dedicated, to the service of some leader, religion, etc.

Noun

Examples

Glancing at the crowd of onlookers, she said, “I know that service at the dining hall will be over soon”—instantly a few dedicates and all of the novices hurried away—“and some of us here would like to prepare our own meal.” […] Out of sight of the dedicates, she climbed over the short fence and esc

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “dedicate” mean?

To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate.

Is “dedicate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.