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

Twice during Tuesday’s hearing lawmakers asked Kozak whether the State Department had been consulted before Noem ended Haiti’s TPS designation, as required by statute. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

To split the three DBs coaches (safeties, cornerbacks, nickels) into more specific designations is interesting in itself and extremely in tune with the modern game. — Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 21 July 2026

More than 1,000 natural and cultural wonders around the globe carry the UNESCO designation, from Yellowstone National Park to the Great Barrier Reef to the ruins of the Acropolis in Greece. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

According to the White House, the designation of drug gangs as terrorist groups makes boats involved in trafficking legitimate military targets. — Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 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