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 of designation

• 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

For beneficiaries to best understand the effects of the new laws on their personal tax circumstances, consult a tax professional who also acts as a fiduciary, Collado said, such as a CPA who has a personal financial specialist designation. —Lorie Konish, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025

Handicapped parking designations and vehicles on the south side of Graefield Street are exempt from citations. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025

And thousands have been claiming German and Austrian citizenship thanks to a rule granting the designation to the descendants of Jews who were persecuted by the Nazis. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2025

Austin City Limits is produced by Austin PBS and has earned a Peabody Award, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame designation and the National Medal of Arts—the only television series ever to receive the honor. —Melinda Newman, Billboard, 9 Dec. 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