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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Remember, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and transfer-on-death accounts supersede your will and do not go through probate. Patti Brennan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 The class-action designation was key: The US Supreme Court recently limited the power of judges to impose such nationwide injunctions, except in cases seeking to block the president’s policies through class action lawsuits. Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 10 July 2025 During his first term as president from 2017-2021, Trump sought to end most TPS enrollment, including the designations covering Honduras and Nicaragua, but his attempts were blocked by federal courts as unlawful. Reuters, NBC news, 8 July 2025 Rachana Jain, another hillside resident, asked that the fire hazard severity designation not be lowered. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for designation

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

Cite this Entry

“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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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