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

Of course, those big franchise films did come up, and Saldaña offered some new perspective on her designation as a sci-fi standout and a franchise queen. —Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024

White residents claimed Black residents were circulating a petition supporting the designation. —Erin Alberty, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

The designation comes four years after a mob of Trump supporters rioted at the Capitol, where the certification takes place. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

The agency to date has only granted the designation to 44 countries and one territory. —Devika Rao, theweek, 31 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