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
Richard Berryapproved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge
4
: the relation between a sign and the thing signified
Synonyms
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
Experts say that while their ranges overlap, there has rarely been any interbreeding between the two populations of dolphins, based on at-sea observations and genetics, and that’s the most convincing evidence that the long-beaked dolphin should have its own species designation.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 11 July 2024
Its designation as a national historic landmark ensures that future generations can appreciate its enduring beauty and significance.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024
The designation and issuance of the export ban certificate meant the beginning of a 30-month period where the French government can make an offer to purchase the two pistols from their unidentified new owner, who also has the right to refuse.
—Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2024
The sunflower star is only the second invertebrate to have SAFE designation; coral reefs were the first.
—Jennifer Adler, Vox, 7 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for designation 
Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 11 July 2024
Its designation as a national historic landmark ensures that future generations can appreciate its enduring beauty and significance.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024
The designation and issuance of the export ban certificate meant the beginning of a 30-month period where the French government can make an offer to purchase the two pistols from their unidentified new owner, who also has the right to refuse.
—Karen K. Ho, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2024
The sunflower star is only the second invertebrate to have SAFE designation; coral reefs were the first.
—Jennifer Adler, Vox, 7 July 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.
Dictionary Entries Near designation
Cite this Entry
“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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