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

As part of this designation, Washington should establish a coordinating council for the biotechnology sector that includes DNA synthesis providers, AI model developers, genomic data platforms, cloud lab operators, and high-containment laboratories. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

On August 10, the CFTC amended ElectronX’s designation to permit intermediated trading through futures commission merchants. — Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Bloomberg reported that the FCC may issue a hearing designation order this month, a regulatory move that would kick off an agency adjudication process to determine the fate of the licenses. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

The 7x2 and 9x4 designations are a denotation of the rockets' engine configurations. — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026

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