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

Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer seem destined to play frenemies for the rest of their lives. —Max Gao, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026

Whether your aesthetic leans more tailored or bohemian, traditional or minimalist, there’s a bouclé, velvet, or wood wingback bed that’s destined for your space. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 10 Apr. 2026

And with a name like that, he is almost destined to become a fan favorite. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 10 Apr. 2026

Even those who win court awards or settlements against Prospect seem destined to be treated as unsecured claims in the company’s bankruptcy. —Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 9 Apr. 2026

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