appointment

noun

ap·​point·​ment ə-ˈpȯint-mənt 

1

: an arrangement for a meeting : engagement

She has an appointment for an interview tomorrow.

2

: equipment, furnishings

—usually plural

expensive homes with luxurious appointments

3

: a nonelective office or position

holds an academic appointment

4

a

: an act of appointing someone or something : designation

b

law : the designation by virtue of a vested power of a person to enjoy an estate

Synonyms of appointment

• job
• election
• assignment
• commission
• nomination
• designation
• office
• position

Examples of appointment in a Sentence

I'm late for an appointment.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.

The court ordered the appointment of an attorney to represent the child.

the appointment of a committee

the appointment of the new secretary of state

Did he get his job by appointment or election?

He now holds an appointment from the President.

her appointment as ambassador to Spain

Recent Examples on the Web

Even without an appointment, guests can unwind in the two-story relaxation room, hydrotherapy circuit, and hammam. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Voter registration in Michigan will include opt-out instructions for those who otherwise would be automatically registered to vote after certain appointments at a Michigan Secretary of State office. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 1 June 2026

Whoever is elected will be required to make more than three thousand political appointments, many with judicial consequence. —Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

The experience includes a one-night stay in the hotel’s First Lady Suite, a welcome bottle of wine from the hotel’s private cellar and a private after-hours shopping appointment at Tiny Jewel Box with a purchase credit. —Taryn White, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see appoint

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing appointment

• by appointment

Rhymes for appointment

• disappointment
• reappointment
• ointment

Kids Definition

appointment

noun

ap·​point·​ment ə-ˈpȯint-mənt 

1

: the act or an instance of appointing

holds office by appointment

2

: a position or office to which a person is named

holds an appointment from the president

3

: an agreement to meet at a fixed time

an appointment with the dentist

4

: furnishings

—usually used in plural