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

The Assessor’s Office concluded that wasn’t the case and gave the properties development designations. — Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026

Given the designation of Canadian premiere for both Bucking Fastard and Wild Horse Nine. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Vienna Beef has inducted Fraser Valley Hot Dogs into its Hot Dog Hall of Fame, a designation reserved for just a handful of its customers across the country. — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed the information reporting for qualified opportunity funds to require more granular data that should be helpful for the next round of designations, slated to take place in 2036. — Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 10 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