appointment

noun

ap·​point·​ment ə-ˈpȯint-mənt 

1

: an arrangement for a meeting : engagement

She has an appointment for an interview tomorrow.

2

: equipment, furnishings

—usually plural

expensive homes with luxurious appointments

3

: a nonelective office or position

holds an academic appointment

4

a

: an act of appointing someone or something : designation

b

law : the designation by virtue of a vested power of a person to enjoy an estate

Synonyms

• assignment
• commission
• designation

Examples of appointment in a Sentence

I'm late for an appointment.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.

The court ordered the appointment of an attorney to represent the child.

the appointment of a committee

the appointment of the new secretary of state

Did he get his job by appointment or election?

He now holds an appointment from the President.

her appointment as ambassador to Spain

Recent Examples on the Web

The first step is to call the office at 913-599-5000 to schedule an appointment. —Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025

Many Social Security field offices are no longer accepting walk-in appointments. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 13 Apr. 2025

Consider making an appointment with an estate planning attorney to discuss your situation and possible alternatives. —Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025

The task of identifying targets has been aided by Kyle Macaulay, who joined as head of recruitment from Chelsea after Potter’s appointment in January. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see appoint

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing appointment

• by appointment

Rhymes for appointment

• disappointment
• reappointment
• ointment

Kids Definition

appointment

noun

ap·​point·​ment ə-ˈpȯint-mənt 

1

: the act or an instance of appointing

holds office by appointment

2

: a position or office to which a person is named

holds an appointment from the president

3

: an agreement to meet at a fixed time

an appointment with the dentist

4

: furnishings

—usually used in plural