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

The designation coincides with the 140th anniversary of France-Korea diplomatic relations, dating to the 1886 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Feb. 2026

Instead, 13 Russians will participate in the Milan Cortina Games — which begin Friday — as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs), a designation that will also include seven Belarusians. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 3 Feb. 2026

The administration, which has canceled the TPS designation for a dozen other countries including Venezuela and Nicaragua, is expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026

Nine plaintiffs, including Haitians with TPS, a labor union and an association of Haitian Protestant clergy have filed one of several suits on the administration’s decision to terminate Haiti’s TPS designation. —Jacqueline Charles, Sun Sentinel, 2 Feb. 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