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

The state Legislature would have to take action to make the designation official. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2026

The designation could expose individuals accused of working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law and heighten the risk of military confrontation. — Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026

The Dominick, SoHo, the only hotel in New York with an AAA Five Diamond designation, partnered with Alexis Bittar this year to offer guests custom jewelry boxes delivered to their rooms for an additional fee. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

The designation has ended, and the special tax allocation fund that fueled a transformation has been dissolved. — Mick Zawislak, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 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