designation

noun

des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce designation (audio)
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 designationRichard Berry
approved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge
4
: the relation between a sign and the thing signified

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 roster was selected through a combination of fan, player, and media voting (12 players), designations by MLS All-Star head coach Wilfried Nancy of the host club, the Columbus Crew (16 players), and a pair of selections by MLS commissioner Don Garber. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2024 The approval was granted under a breakthrough therapy designation and marked Moderna's second approved mRNA product. Sacramento Bee, 28 June 2024 Also, don’t let the Y.A. designation fool you: this book is a great read for everyone. The New Yorker, 26 June 2024 Colorado is home to 10 International Dark Sky Parks and five communities, many of which have been awarded designations in recent years. Brittany Anas, The Denver Post, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for designation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'designation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see designate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of designation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near designation

Cite this Entry

“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

designation

noun
des·​ig·​na·​tion ˌdez-ig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce designation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on designation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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