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
Federal law allows the Department of Homeland Security to issue TPS designations allowing eligible migrants from troubled countries to stay in the U.S., and the deportation shields expire in 18 months or less if not renewed or revoked.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025
In late 2024, six Houston restaurants earned MICHELIN Stars, and another 17 spots received a Bib Gourmand designation for delivering high-quality fare for the price.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025
Cored players might not necessarily suit up for the franchise that applied the designation, but cored players can only then be moved in sign-and-trade agreements.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 31 Jan. 2025
By age 21, our undergraduate colleges award a bachelor of science degree in aerospace, chemical, electrical, mechanical, molecular, nuclear, and petroleum engineering, qualifying graduates for the professional engineer designation.
—Matthew G. Andersson, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for designation 
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Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025
In late 2024, six Houston restaurants earned MICHELIN Stars, and another 17 spots received a Bib Gourmand designation for delivering high-quality fare for the price.
—Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2025
Cored players might not necessarily suit up for the franchise that applied the designation, but cored players can only then be moved in sign-and-trade agreements.
—Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 31 Jan. 2025
By age 21, our undergraduate colleges award a bachelor of science degree in aerospace, chemical, electrical, mechanical, molecular, nuclear, and petroleum engineering, qualifying graduates for the professional engineer designation.
—Matthew G. Andersson, Hartford Courant, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for designation
Dictionary Entries Near designation
Cite this Entry
“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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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