Entry Word: design

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective <she always achieves her objective by design rather than by luck> — see plan 1
2 a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends <the adventurer had designs on her fortune> — see plot 1
3 something that one hopes or intends to accomplish <the immigrant laborer had ambitious designs in mind for his daughter> — see goal
4 a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) <the curtains have a lovely floral design> — see pattern 1
5 the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged <the design of the buildingʼs lobby encourages the free flow of traffic> — see composition 3