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

• 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

Still, if the DNI made a formal recommendation, the State Department is the issuing authority for foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designations. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025

The 2025 Tesla Model Y small electric SUV got a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. —Charles Singh, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025

Farmers and ranchers must also demonstrate that drought was the direct reason for the sales and that their counties were under a federal drought designation. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025

The designation would require him to miss at least four games. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 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