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

O’Brien contended that only the chair can designate an acting chair, and that her designation of Roy as acting chair the day before her suspension was ignored. —State House News Service, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025

Ravens cleared No Baltimore player on the 53-man roster has an injury designation. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025

There used to be a greater difference between these designations, but according to Shields, right now, the terms just describe differences in genetics. —Carly Fisher, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025

Coaches McEntire, Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Michael Bublé will choose one of their team members for the designation, and from there, the audience votes to send one of those artists to appear in the Rose Parade on New Year's Day. —Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 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