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

When you’re destined to become the king of England, nothing is over-the-top. — Mathilde Engelmann, Vanity Fair, 5 July 2026

Emmys season is about ot begin, and with it, a slew of contenders destined for nominations and memorialization by way of snubs chatter. — Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026

Vozinha denied Messi again in the 73rd minute as the Argentine goal scorer took a quick free kick that seemed destined for the upper corner. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi looked destined to join Vozinha and Eloy Room but was eventually breached. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 July 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