Entry Word: assignment

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a piece of work that needs to be done regularly <his assignment was sweeping the shop every day> — see chore 1
2 a specific task with which a person or group is charged <the spy team's assignment was to steal the plans for the nuclear reactor> — see mission
3 something assigned to be read or studied <have you read the assignment for tomorrow?> — see lesson
4 the state or fact of being chosen for a position or duty <her assignment to the board of directors was a point of pride for her> — see appointment 1