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 of designation

• moniker
• name
• title
• nomenclature
• nickname
• appellation

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

Murphy stopped short of embracing the socialist label himself, but said there should be space for the party to embrace candidates with that designation. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026

This exceptionally rare designation is reserved for the most extreme fire weather conditions. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Specifically, this is jiángxiāng baijiu, a designation referring to its particular aroma and flavor, which is said to be very savory. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 June 2026

The designation would have facilitated police sharing information about the case with media. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see designate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing designation

• self-designation

Rhymes for designation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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