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

That designation, which had never been sought before, would allow the use of historic tax credits to help fund its conversion to housing. —Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

The case is before the Supreme Court after two lower courts blocked the termination; as part of its argument, the Department of Homeland Security has specifically mentioned Vorbe’s arrest on why Haiti’s TPS designation should end. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026

The teen received an adult designation, which allows the judge to sentence the teen as a juvenile or an adult, or to allow rehabilitation before implementing an adult sentence. —CBS News, 11 June 2026

Developers have capitalized on the commerce land-use designation by bringing warehouses to the Ag Reserve. —Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 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