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 of designation
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 designation highlights China’s expanding nuclear footprint and growing competitiveness in reactor design, construction, and export markets.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
The federal government has designations for areas with shortages of primary care, mental health and dental providers, but not for hospital services.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 31 Dec. 2025
Another record-breaking elimination Just under the wire for a 2025 designation, in mid-December Brazil was validated by WHO for quashing transmission of HIV between mothers and children.
—Fran Kritz, NPR, 30 Dec. 2025
Local officials began wracking their brains for future uses for the sprawling, 53-acre site, which includes older buildings, and some that hold historic designations.
—Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for designation
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Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Jan. 2026
The federal government has designations for areas with shortages of primary care, mental health and dental providers, but not for hospital services.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 31 Dec. 2025
Another record-breaking elimination Just under the wire for a 2025 designation, in mid-December Brazil was validated by WHO for quashing transmission of HIV between mothers and children.
—Fran Kritz, NPR, 30 Dec. 2025
Local officials began wracking their brains for future uses for the sprawling, 53-acre site, which includes older buildings, and some that hold historic designations.
—Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for designation
Cite this Entry
“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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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