designation

noun

des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən 

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 designation

—Richard Berry

approved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge

4

: the relation between a sign and the thing signified

Synonyms

• moniker
• name
• title
• nomenclature
• nickname
• appellation

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

Tribal officials are also concerned the change in designation for Apostle Islands could affect their treaty rights to hunt and fish in the area because hunting is generally not allowed in national parks. —Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025

Over 2,500 enthusiastic Google reviews helped propel Ocean Reef Park to its top-tier designation. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025

But, right now, neighbors must volunteer just one hour per household per year to maintain a Firewise community group; the designation may earn them discounts on California home insurance. —Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025

Carey, 56, will be the youngest person to receive the designation since Sting at age 52 in 2004. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see designate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing designation

• self-designation

Rhymes for designation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

designation

noun

des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌdez-ig-ˈnā-shən 

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