destination

noun

des·​ti·​na·​tion ˌde-stə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce destination (audio)
1
: the purpose for which something is predetermined or destined
2
: an act of appointing, setting aside for a purpose, or predetermining
3
: a place to which one is journeying or to which something is sent
when the package has reached its destination
kept their destination secret
4
: a place worthy of travel or an extended visit
a popular tourist destination
often used attributively
a destination restaurant
a destination resort

Examples of destination in a Sentence

After stopping for lunch, we continued on toward our destination. The package reached its destination two days later. He enjoys traveling to remote and exotic destinations. We traveled through three states before reaching our final destination.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of those destinations was none other than the Golden State Valkyries. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 Be sure to confirm you destination and the price before boarding a public boat to avoid surprise charges. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025 Prices exclude $3,250 destination charge. Mark Phelan, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025 As accolades continue to come Michigan’s way as a popular destination for travelers — a recent USA Today poll ranked Mackinac Island in northern Michigan as the top spot in the nation to visit for fall — the state’s Pure Michigan campaign is airing nationally, touting the Great Lakes State. Carol Cain, Freep.com, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for destination

Word History

Etymology

see destine

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of destination was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Destination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destination. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

destination

noun
des·​ti·​na·​tion ˌdes-tə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce destination (audio)
1
: the purpose for which something is destined
2
: an act of appointing, setting aside for a purpose, or deciding beforehand
3
: a place which is the goal of a journey or to which something is sent

More from Merriam-Webster on destination

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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