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

• assignment
• commission
• designation

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

Such appointments are non-paid and allow individuals to hold on to a private sector job. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025

Her appointment comes as the company’s outgoing Chief Content Officer Sachin Doshi is stepping down from his role in September, but will take a seat on Podimo’s board. —Peter White, Deadline, 22 May 2025

Kessler’s appointment comes at an inflection point for the LPGA. —Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Wayside Waifs is able to welcome visitors without an appointment. —Trish Stinger, Kansas City Star, 21 May 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