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

Grace Episcopal received that designation because of declining attendance at Sunday services and the financial burden of maintaining and operating the church. —Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025

Fortified or Prepared home designations. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025

This geoprocessing step ensured that every record could be analyzed according to its corresponding FEMA flood zone designation. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

There's still no chance for two DI teams from the same region to play each other in the BlueCross Bowl for a state championship, something that is possible in DII with the brackets not having an East/West designation. —Cecil Joyce, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Nov. 2025

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