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
Richard Berryapproved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge
4
: the relation between a sign and the thing signified
Synonyms of designation
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 decision was overridden by a New York federal judge, who said Noem had no authority to shorten the designation.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025
The designation gives Washington broader legal authority to target officials linked to the network, including Maduro.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
And residents hope that the designation stops or changes highway development plans that would significantly alter the neighborhoods.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Nov. 2025
Trump officials say the designation — one of the State Department’s most serious counterterrorism tools — also opens the door to expanded US military options for strikes inside Venezuela.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for designation
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Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025
The designation gives Washington broader legal authority to target officials linked to the network, including Maduro.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
And residents hope that the designation stops or changes highway development plans that would significantly alter the neighborhoods.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Nov. 2025
Trump officials say the designation — one of the State Department’s most serious counterterrorism tools — also opens the door to expanded US military options for strikes inside Venezuela.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for designation
Cite this Entry
“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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