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

That’s a key fact given that under labor law, unions represent employees—not independent contractors, interns, apprentices or some other designation short of employment. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025

In August, the Jeserich building, along with the Ward and other buildings, was placed on the city’s dangerous buildings list, a designation that supercedes its historic protections. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2025

This use of terror designations does more than merely aim to legitimize military buildup and action to the south of the United States. —Alexander Langlois, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025

Here are some of the injury designations provided by Albin, with analysis. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 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