destine

verb

des·​tine ˈde-stən 

destined; destining

transitive verb

1

: to decree beforehand : predetermine

was not destined to attain the throne

2

a

: to designate, assign, or dedicate in advance

believed their child was destined for high office

destined to succeed

a flaw that destines them to fail

b

: to direct, devise, or set apart for a specific purpose or place

freight destined for European ports

Synonyms of destine

• doom
• ordain
• fate

Examples of destine in a Sentence

his extreme height seemed to destine him for a career in basketball

Recent Examples on the Web

Will Osula, the 22-year-old striker who almost joined Eintracht Frankfurt, still appears destined to leave in 2026. —Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025

Alpert says this Dyson Animal 3 saved a dirty carpet in her home that was destined for the dumpster. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025

They were most certainly destined for pies. —Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Nov. 2025

But with an unapologetic spirit and bold personality, Reza was never destined to simply fit in. —Michael Nied, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French destiner, from Latin destinare, from de- + -stinare (akin to Latin stare to stand) — more at stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for destine

• clandestine
• intestine
• progestin

Kids Definition

destine

verb

des·​tine ˈdes-tən 

destined; destining

1

: to settle in advance

a plan destined to fail

2

: to choose, assign, or dedicate in advance

destined their child for the study of law

3

: to be bound or directed

a ship destined for New York