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

On Monday, the Catholic community honored Cuba’s patroness, Our Lady of Charity, and marked the 25th anniversary of the Miami shrine’s national designation through a day of celebratory events. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025

In 2025, Amusement Today presented awards in 22 categories, as well as special recognition with Publisher’s Picks awards and Legend designations. —Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 10 Sep. 2025

While Qataris may now indeed question the value of their military cooperation with the United States and its designation of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally, Turkey’s military presence in the country also failed to prevent Israel from attacking. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

In 2023, Ladder 4 Wine Bar earned the Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Restaurant of the Year designation. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 9 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