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

approved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge

4

: the relation between a sign and the thing signified

Synonyms

• appellation
• appellative
• cognomen
• compellation
• denomination
• denotation
• handle
• moniker
• monicker
• name
• nomenclature
• title

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

The city and county of San Francisco filed the lawsuit seeking an injunction on April 18, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition and false designation of the airport, according to court documents. —Caelyn Pender, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024

The designation resulted in the Kansas City Chiefs running back missing the first four games of the regular season. —Chantz Martin, Fox News, 9 Nov. 2024

The designation recognizes areas with pristine natural soundscapes, a testament to the reserve’s work safeguarding this corner of the Namib Desert. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024

The prohibition will stay in place until the agency director decides whether to continue the AMA designation. —Clara Migoya, The Arizona Republic, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see designate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing designation

• self-designation

Kids 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