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 of appointment

• 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 game in Italy is still haunted by Calciopoli, the crisis two decades ago that, among other things, shone an unflattering light on the power and influence behind the appointment of referees in Serie A. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Ripe for abuse This judicial resignation-gubernatorial appointment two-step is not unusual, said Jewett, who added that jurists have been debating the timing of when governors should fill court vacancies for the last 25 years — particularly because the practice is ripe for abuse. —Norine Dworkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

Rosenbaum passed away last month, and court records do not show the appointment of a successor in Rose’s case. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

Starmer — who is facing relentless domestic criticism over a flailing economy and his appointment of the disgraced Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, while grappling with a surging far-right opposition — will be praying for a smooth visit. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026

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