appointment

noun

ap·​point·​ment ə-ˈpȯint-mənt 

1

: an arrangement for a meeting : engagement

She has an appointment for an interview tomorrow.

2

: equipment, furnishings

—usually plural

expensive homes with luxurious appointments

3

: a nonelective office or position

holds an academic appointment

4

a

: an act of appointing someone or something : designation

b

law : the designation by virtue of a vested power of a person to enjoy an estate

Synonyms

• job
• election
• assignment
• commission
• nomination
• designation
• office
• position

Examples of appointment in a Sentence

I'm late for an appointment.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.

The court ordered the appointment of an attorney to represent the child.

the appointment of a committee

the appointment of the new secretary of state

Did he get his job by appointment or election?

He now holds an appointment from the President.

her appointment as ambassador to Spain

Recent Examples on the Web

The three are unlikely to be the only candidates as the club look to make an appointment sooner rather than later — but not necessarily before Wolves’ next fixture against Chelsea on Saturday. —David Ornstein, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025

Little also caught up with his former budget chief, Alex Adams, who was recently confirmed for a presidential appointment to a post in the administration within the Department of Health and Human Services. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 31 Oct. 2025

This is Fortune 500 Power Moves, a column tracking executive shifts—from appointments and promotions to resignations and retirements—within the highest ranks of Fortune 500 companies. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

While variety allows some parents to spend more time with their children and pack no-school Mondays with appointments or enrichment opportunities, others have struggled to find child care and adapt their household routines. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see appoint

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing appointment

• by appointment

Rhymes for appointment

• disappointment
• reappointment
• ointment

Kids Definition

appointment

noun

ap·​point·​ment ə-ˈpȯint-mənt 

1

: the act or an instance of appointing

holds office by appointment

2

: a position or office to which a person is named

holds an appointment from the president

3

: an agreement to meet at a fixed time

an appointment with the dentist

4

: furnishings

—usually used in plural