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

For businesses relying on BLS data for planning, Antoni’s appointment signals a shift from technical expertise to political alignment in agency leadership. —Brent Dykes, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

And their stance is likely to be further boosted by the appointment at the next meeting of Trump nominee Stephen Miran—widely seen by the market as a dove who will push for rates to lower. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025

But on a recent Wednesday afternoon, seven of nine appointments were rescheduled. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025

To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. —Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 13 Aug. 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