designation

noun

des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce designation (audio)
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 designationRichard Berry
approved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge
4
: the relation between a sign and the thing signified

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 In November 2022, with the eviction pending, the home won the historic designation from the city over the new owner’s objection. Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Arizona school may close after board moves to revoke charter Gravel company alleges Glendale violated public contract rules Longtime owners of downtown Phoenix laundry at odds with city over historic designation What was life like in metro Phoenix in the 1970s? The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024 The school’s chaotic principal, Ava Coleman (Janelle James), is thrilled by the prospect of receiving more funding from the city because of the special designation. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2024 The Dolphins could save $9.8 million in cap space by releasing Baker with a pre-June 1 designation and $11 million with a post-June 1 designation. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 Increasing scrutiny by way of a business advisory, new network sanctions designations, and information-sharing with the FATF would likely affect the country’s appetite for importing illicit Sudanese gold and reduce its incentive to support the RSF militarily. John Prendergast, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2024 Read further between the lines, and the potential target for that designation seems clear: cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 Certification Process: EAs achieve their designation by passing the IRS Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) and adhering to ongoing ethical standards. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 Remarkable Healthcare of Fort Worth was identified as one of the nation’s most troubled nursing homes in January 2023, when the federal government designed it as a Special Focus Facility, a designation reserved for homes with the most serious and long-standing health and safety violations. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'designation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see designate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near designation

Cite this Entry

“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

designation

noun
des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌdez-ig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce designation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on designation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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