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

Under the new plan, the city would allow the current residential and life science space designation for P3 — around 330,000 square feet of vacant land on Tremont Street across from the current Madison Park building — to expire. —Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026

In 2003, the soccer icon was honored with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire designation by Queen Elizabeth II. —Edward Segarra, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026

While the commission can recommend designation, the City Council makes the final decision. —Everton Bailey Jr, Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 2026

By a 5-3 vote, Coral Gables’ preservation board in December turned down an application for historic designation for Eaton Residential College written by Lejeune. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 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