assigns; assigned; assigning
1
: to give someone a particular job or duty : to require someone to do a particular task
They assigned me the job of cleaning the equipment. = They assigned the job of cleaning the equipment to me. = They assigned me to clean the equipment.
The teacher assigned us 50 math problems for homework!
Students will be assigned five books to read and must choose two additional books (to read).
2
: to send (someone) to a particular group or place as part of a job
She was assigned to the embassy in India.
The new teacher was assigned to the science laboratory.
assigned to a platoon/squadron
3
: to give out something : to provide someone with something
Parts in the play were assigned [=given] to each student.
They assigned me a secretary. = They assigned a secretary to me. [=they provided me with a secretary]
A section of the field was assigned [=set aside] for parking.
The plane landed at its assigned gate.
our assigned positions/seats
4
: to say that someone has (something, such as blame or responsibility)
He believes that they have assigned blame/responsibility to the wrong people.
5
: to give a particular value, identity, etc., to something
The computer program will assign a number to each image.
6
law
: to officially give (property or a legal right) to someone else
She assigned her share of the estate to her brother.
Cite this Entry
“Assign.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/assign. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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