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 designation means all property and interests of the affected targets that are in the U.S. or under U.S. control are blocked and must be reported. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2024

Stewart, though, will certainly remain in New York through a straightforward extension or by core designation, a rule that allows a WNBA team to retain a free agent player’s rights during the free agency period. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Dec. 2024

The newborn calf was given the alpha-numeric designation J61. —Gil MacIas, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024

The protective laws and endangered species designation, as well as a 1972 ban on the deadly pesticide DDT, helped bald eagle populations thrive. —Sara Ruberg, New York Times, 27 Dec. 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