designate

1 of 2

verb

des·​ig·​nate ˈde-zig-ˌnāt 

designated; designating

transitive verb

1

: to indicate and set apart for a specific purpose, office, or duty

designate someone to plan the party

land designated as a wildlife refuge

2

a

: 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

designative

ˈde-zig-ˌnā-tiv 

adjective

designator

ˈde-zig-ˌnā-tər 

noun

designatory

ˈde-zig-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

designate

2 of 2

adjective

des·​ig·​nate ˈde-zig-ˌnāt 

-nət

: chosen but not yet installed (see install sense 2a)

ambassador designate

Synonyms of designate

Verb

• choose
• set
• select
• appoint
• pick
• specify
• name

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

Verb

Likewise, in building communities, there must be a priority on preserving green spaces, creating walkable neighborhoods to reduce traffic and car emissions, intentionally designating areas for wildlife habitats, and prioritizing quality of life through parks, trails, and conservation areas. —Sammy Duda, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026

The Dodgers will now have to choose between optioning Kim or Freeland, or designating Espinal for assignment. —Katie Woo, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Adjective

The roster includes several farmed by Robert Biale Vineyards, which produces seven vineyard-designate Zinfandels, a Barbera, and a Petite Sirah from Napa Valley plots planted between 1905 and the 1960s, more than half of which are home to vines dating back over 100 years. —Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2026

Try This Instead To avoid cross-contamination, designate one sponge for each purpose. —Elizabeth Brownfield, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

Latin designatus, past participle of designare — see design entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Adjective

1629, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing designate

• designate as
• pre-designate

Rhymes for designate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

designate

verb

des·​ig·​nate

ˈdez-ig-ˌnāt

designated; designating

1

: to appoint or choose by name for a special purpose

designate someone as team captain

2

: to mark or point out : indicate

3

: to call by name or title

Etymology

Verb

from Latin designatus, past participle of designare "to choose for a purpose," from de- "down, from" and signare "to mark, mark out, sign, stamp with a seal," from signum "mark, sign, image" — related to sign