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

Researchers are warning that men who regularly dodge prostate cancer screening appointments are 45% more likely to die from the disease. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025

Senate officials announced the appointment Friday at a committee hearing. —Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025

The website says the nonprofit organization provided therapy to families, couples and individuals and was committed to responding to requests for appointments within 24 hours. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

In February 2024, Fannie Mae filed a lawsuit and sought an emergency appointment of a receiver. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 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