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

If Neal is not waived by the Saints with an injury designation he will be required to stay on the IR list the entire season and postseason. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

The building is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but this designation does not affect any future use of the property. — News Desk, Artforum, 31 Aug. 2026

And any designation touching a Chinese buyer would mark the moment the auction stops being quiet. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Perepadya expressed fear that the automatic extension of Ukraine’s TPS designation will be the country’s last, forcing his family to return home. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 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