designation
noun
des·ig·na·tion
ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən 
1
: the act of indicating or identifying
the designation of a speech sound
2
: appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service
awaiting his next designation
3
: a distinguishing name, sign, or title
… the only star in Lynx with a Greek letter designation—
Richard Berry
Richard Berryapproved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge
4
: the relation between a sign and the thing signified
Examples of designation in a Sentence
Though many people call her a liberal, it is not a designation she uses herself.
we've never given the homemade gadget a proper designation
Recent Examples on the Web
But the Trump White House has begun overturning TPS designations, revoking protection in January from more than 600,000 Venezuelans.
—CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025
The latest designation became effective after President Trump ousted NSA Director Gen. Timothy Haugh, and several other high-ranking security officials, over disputes about their loyalty prompted by far-right activist Laura Loomer.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 5 Apr. 2025
After a report confirmed that Musk would be leaving his official government job by June at the latest (due to the nature of his employee designation), the stock soared.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 4 Apr. 2025
Democrat Bob Butterworth, 82, who served for 15 years as the attorney general beginning 1987, said his designation as chief legal officer grants him broad authority.
—Matthew Cupelli, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for designation
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CBS News, 7 Apr. 2025
The latest designation became effective after President Trump ousted NSA Director Gen. Timothy Haugh, and several other high-ranking security officials, over disputes about their loyalty prompted by far-right activist Laura Loomer.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 5 Apr. 2025
After a report confirmed that Musk would be leaving his official government job by June at the latest (due to the nature of his employee designation), the stock soared.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 4 Apr. 2025
Democrat Bob Butterworth, 82, who served for 15 years as the attorney general beginning 1987, said his designation as chief legal officer grants him broad authority.
—Matthew Cupelli, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for designation
Cite this Entry
“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
designation
noun
des·ig·na·tion
ˌdez-ig-ˈnā-shən
1
: the act of indicating or identifying
2
: appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service
3
: a name, sign, or title that identifies something
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