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

In the 10 days since his appointment, Bayrou has engaged in discussions with leaders across the political spectrum to find the right composition for the new government. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

The amount of time spent going to doctors appointments and being hospitalized is a major consideration for patients who are in school or working. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024

There's also a benefits and social services outreach program and a neighborhood program that helps seniors with things like transportation to the grocery store or doctors' appointments. —Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 22 Dec. 2024

One group called itself a union of people running behind schedule, referring to the idea that the need to protest over martial law had forced them to reschedule their appointments. —John Yoon, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see appoint

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing appointment

• by appointment

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