designative

1 of 2

adjective

des·​ig·​na·​tive ˈdez|igˌnā|t|iv How to pronounce designative (audio)
|ēg-
-nə|
|t|
|ēv also |əv sometimes ˈdes|
: serving to designate or indicate

designative

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
: something designative

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Late Latin designativus, from Latin designatus + -ivus -ive

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of designative was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Designative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designative. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

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