designate

1 of 2

verb

des·​ig·​nate ˈde-zig-ˌnāt 

designated; designating

transitive verb

1

: to indicate and set apart for a specific purpose, office, or duty

designate a group to prepare a plan

2

a

: to point out the location of

a marker designating the battle

b

: to distinguish as to class (see class entry 1 sense 3)

the area we designate as that of spiritual values

—J. B. Conant

c

: specify, stipulate

to be sent by a designated shipper

3

: denote

associate names with the people they designate

4

: to call by a distinctive title, term, or expression

a particle designated the neutron

designative

ˈde-zig-ˌnā-tiv 

adjective

designator

ˈde-zig-ˌnā-tər 

noun

designatory

ˈde-zig-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

designate

2 of 2

adjective

des·​ig·​nate ˈde-zig-ˌnāt 

-nət

: chosen but not yet installed (see install sense 2a)

ambassador designate

Synonyms

Verb

• appoint
• fix
• name
• set

Examples of designate in a Sentence

Verb

The wooden stakes designate the edge of the building site.

the designated time for the meeting

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Key Background Each state is designated a total number of electors equal to its representation in the House and Senate, while the District of Columbia has three, for a total of 538. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Because Election Day isn't a U.S. holiday, many American adults are at work on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November, the day designated for federal, state and local general elections. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2024

Adjective

If possible, designate a coffee station where accessories such as pods, syrups, sugars, spoons, and even cups are nearby. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2024

This plan should outline key messages, designate spokespersons, and establish protocols for internal and external communication. —Allbusiness, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

Latin designatus, past participle of designare — see design entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Adjective

1629, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing designate

• designate as
• pre-designate

Kids Definition

designate

verb

des·​ig·​nate

ˈdez-ig-ˌnāt

designated; designating

1

: to appoint or choose by name for a special purpose

designate someone as team captain

2

: to mark or point out : indicate

3

: to call by name or title

Etymology

Verb

from Latin designatus, past participle of designare "to choose for a purpose," from de- "down, from" and signare "to mark, mark out, sign, stamp with a seal," from signum "mark, sign, image" — related to sign