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

Vincic was in tears when he was given the news of his appointment at FIFA’s referee team base in Miami on Thursday. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 19 July 2026

According to court records, bond was set at $100,000 on July 17, with conditions including a GPS monitor and house arrest with travel allowed to doctors’ appointments. — Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

Because the mayor has not appointed any of the other members, judicial appointments have stalled. — Christian Browne, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026

As an adult who now has a standing bi-weekly appointment and no longer plays any kind of organized sport, my nails are in far better shape and the shade continues to be a constant in my life, outlasting many friendships and relationships. — Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 17 July 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