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

While still rare, players more frequently file grievances to dispute their positional designation for the tag itself. —Mark Puleo, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025

Bibas, who presides at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and is serving as a trial judge by designation for this case in Delaware, was unpersuaded by Ross’ defenses. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 Feb. 2025

So how had this place managed to earn one of fine-dining’s top designations? —Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2025

The Project 91 designation is what Castroneves is running under on Sunday. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 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