designation

noun

des·ig·na·tion | \ ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən

Definition of designation

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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about designation

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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

After a six-hour hearing that lasted until 1 a.m., the council approved a change to the city’s comprehensive plan to give the 33-acre site a commercial designation. — John Sowell, idahostatesman, "Foes and friends spoke for 6 hours. Finally, Meridian’s City Council ruled on Costco. | Idaho Statesman," 4 Apr. 2018 Nearly three decades later, the unincorporated area known as Garden City is a federal Superfund site, a designation reserved for the nation's most heavily polluted locations. — Brian Slodysko, Houston Chronicle, "Pence family gas stations left costly environmental legacy," 13 July 2018 Nearly three decades later, the unincorporated area known as Garden City is a federal Superfund site, a designation reserved for the nation's most heavily polluted locations. — Brian Slodysko, The Courier-Journal, "Cleanup of Pence family's failed gas stations cost Indiana taxpayers $20M," 13 July 2018 Nearly three decades later, the unincorporated area known as Garden City is a federal Superfund site, a designation reserved for the nation's most heavily polluted locations. — Brian Slodysko, chicagotribune.com, "Cleanup of Pence family gas stations cost Indiana more than $20 million," 13 July 2018 Children forcibly separated from their parents are legally considered Unaccompanied Alien Children, a designation normally reserved for kids who show up at the border by themselves. — Emily Atkin, The New Republic, "The Uncertain Fate of Migrant Children Sent to Foster Care," 20 June 2018 Additionally, North Kansas City Hospital is one of two hospitals in Missouri to receive a quality spine care designation from the insurer Aetna. — Andy Marso, kansascity, "St. Luke’s to expand spine care, establish rehab center with $25M Bloch donation," 13 June 2018 That’s a designation that follows several years of comparative testing at various sites around the state. — Neil Sperry, star-telegram, "The vivacious and venerable vitex is a plant you should know (and grow)," 7 June 2018 After two renovations and inspired by a deeply loyal following, Cooper was awarded a San Francisco Legacy Business designation in 2016, ensuring a viable lease and historical street cred in a brutal commercial real estate market. — Shakirah Simley, Bon Appetit, "The Harlem of the West: What’s to Become of The Fillmore?," 6 June 2018

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