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 sanctuary designation, which generally describes places that limit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration, did not garner much attention back then. —Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 12 Jan. 2025

El Salvador’s first TPS designation, the first designation since the program was enacted to law, came in 1990 amid the country’s civil war. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025

And the opportunity zone designation offers special tax benefits. —Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025

However, the designation discourages U.S. firms and other Western companies from doing business with the carrier and its subsidiaries. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2025

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