designation

noun

des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of indicating or identifying

the designation of a speech sound

2

: appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service

awaiting his next designation

3

: a distinguishing name, sign, or title

… the only star in Lynx with a Greek letter designation

—Richard Berry

approved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge

4

: the relation between a sign and the thing signified

Synonyms

• appellation
• appellative
• cognomen
• compellation
• denomination
• denotation
• handle
• moniker
• monicker
• name
• nomenclature
• title

Examples of designation in a Sentence

Though many people call her a liberal, it is not a designation she uses herself.

we've never given the homemade gadget a proper designation

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers say a Black-serving designation could let college applicants know during their search that the campuses are explicitly committed to supporting them. —Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 7 June 2024

Recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand for the past three years — a designation that indicates a restaurant that serves good food at a reasonable price — Sanguich is ready to open a new, larger location in Coral Gables. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 24 May 2024

Although Romeo, Michigan, is often described as a Detroit suburb, when Ritchie was growing up there in the Seventies and Eighties, such a designation was a stretch. —David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2024

Darr said the commission has 30 days to write a report analyzing the landmark and the designation criteria. —Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 18 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see designate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing designation

• self-designation

Kids Definition

designation

noun

des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌdez-ig-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act of indicating or identifying

2

: appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service

3

: a name, sign, or title that identifies something