designation

noun

des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce designation (audio)
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 designationRichard Berry
approved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge
4
: the relation between a sign and the thing signified

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The designation would apply sanctions and criminal penalties to anyone providing material support to the groups, mirroring actions taken earlier this year against eight Latin American crime organizations, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 London became the first city to receive this designation in 2019 and then Adelaide in 2021. Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 Although the bathrooms are divided by gender — and marked with Basquiat-style dinosaur imagery — on the nights when Simon Says takes over the Spotlight, those designations are ignored, and the toilets become unisex. Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 That designation unlocks a range of legal, economic and military tools to disrupt and punish anyone who materially supports the groups. Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for designation

Word History

Etymology

see designate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of designation was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

designation

noun
des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌdez-ig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce designation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on designation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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