designates; designated; designating
1
: to officially choose (someone or something) to do or be something : to officially give (someone or something) a particular role or purpose
It might be difficult to designate [=select] an appropriate place for the event.
We need to designate [=appoint] a new leader.
—often used as (be) designatedmoney designated [=set aside] for the scholarship fund
He was designated team captain. = He was designated as team captain. [=he was made team captain]
The park has been designated as a wildlife refuge.
—often followed by to + verbHe was designated to be team captain.
2
a
: to call (something or someone) by a particular name or title
We designated [=named] the first one "alpha."
—often used as (be) designatedThe four parts were designated A, B, C, and D in the diagram.
b
: to be used as a name for (something or someone)
The word eventually came to designate [=refer to] any kind of mistake.
3
: to mark, show, or represent (something)
The wooden stakes designate the edge of the building site.
—usually used as (be) designatedFree items are designated by blue stickers.
The state capital is designated [=indicated] by a star.
not used before a noun
formal
: chosen for a particular job but not officially doing that job yet
the governor designate [=the governor elect]
Cite this Entry
“Designate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/designate. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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