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

This group of significant works, which also includes the 1918–1921 Hollyhock House in Los Angeles and the 1956–1959 Guggenheim Museum in New York, became the UNESCO World Heritage List’s first-ever modern architecture designations. — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026

Moyle’s family had been working on potential development plans, prompting the Ada County Assessor’s Office to visit the area and see if the previous designations (agriculture for some parts and waste in others) still held true. — Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026

The national monument designation provides sweeping protections not just for significant geological features or artifacts but also for the surrounding landscape, banning drilling, mining and new construction nearby. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

Defenders of Israel believe that designation is fallacious and dangerous. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 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