designate

adjective

des·ig·nate | \ ˈde-zig-ˌnāt

, -nət\

Definition of designate

(Entry 1 of 2)

: chosen but not yet installed (see install sense 1b) ambassador designate

designate

verb

des·ig·nate | \ ˈde-zig-ˌnāt

designated; designating

Definition of designate (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to indicate and set apart for a specific purpose, office, or duty designate a group to prepare a plan

2a : to point out the location of a marker designating the battle

b : to distinguish as to class (see class entry 1 sense 3) the area we designate as that of spiritual values— J. B. Conant

c : specify, stipulate to be sent by a designated shipper

3 : denote associate names with the people they designate

4 : to call by a distinctive title, term, or expression a particle designated the neutron

Other Words from designate Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about designate

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Other Words from designate

Verb

designative \ ˈde-zig-ˌnā-tiv

\ adjective

designator \ ˈde-zig-ˌnā-tər

\ noun

designatory \ ˈde-zig-nə-ˌtȯr-ē

\ adjective

Synonyms for designate

Synonyms: Verb

appoint, fix, name, set

Examples of designate in a Sentence

Verb

The wooden stakes designate the edge of the building site. the designated time for the meeting

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Ratti and his team created a series of wooden modules that are embedded with lights that could help direct vehicle and pedestrian traffic, as well as designate bike lanes or hazard zones. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Futuristic road concept is made of reconfigurable parts that light up," 6 Aug. 2018 Although rediscovered only in 2013 near the town of Pamukkale — famous for its surreal, Unesco-designate travertine hot spring terraces — the cave’s existence has been known since antiquity as part of what was then Hierapolis. — Time, "Animals Dropped Dead Inside Roman 'Gate to Hell.' Scientists Just Figured Out Why," 22 Feb. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

When the donations are to a group or PAC, CRP designated them as liberal or conservative based on their spending patterns. — Rani Molla, Recode, "Silicon Valley’s Democrats aren’t galvanized by Trump any more than Republicans are — if you look at their donation history," 5 Nov. 2018 In 1971, the year Sylvia died, the French state bought 80 percent of the island and designated it a national park. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "This French Island Is the Nantucket of the Mediterranean," 16 Aug. 2018 Hogan was Pastor's third campaign treasurer, the last one before Pastor designated himself treasurer. — Sharon Coolidge, Cincinnati.com, "At last, some answers about Cincinnati Councilman Jeff Pastor's campaign finances," 8 July 2018 Both the Dodgers and Athletics designated him for assignment prior to trading him. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Rare rough showing from Astros results in loss to Rays," 29 June 2018 Remember, 29 other teams passed on him when the Tigers designated him for assignment on March 26. — George Sipple, Detroit Free Press, "Blaine Hardy's continued success has Tigers pondering 6-man rotation," 17 June 2018 Hanley's Gone The Red Sox have released Hanley Ramirez , a week after designating him for assignment. — Kristie Rieken, courant.com, "George Springer Leads Astros Over Red Sox," 2 June 2018 However, at a recent board meeting, the board proposed eliminating the buffer zone by officially designating it as within Central’s boundaries, not South’s. — Kimberly Fornek, chicagotribune.com, "Residents to file civil rights complaint stating District 86 discriminates against Hinsdale South students," 24 May 2018 Headley cut loose by Padres The Padres released 34-year-old third baseman Chase Headley, six days after designating him for assignment. — BostonGlobe.com, "Patriots owner Robert Kraft deposed in Colin Kaepernick case," 19 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'designate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.