destination

American  

[des-tuh-ney-shuhn] / ˌdɛs təˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the place to which a person or thing travels or is sent.

   Her destination was Rome.

2. the purpose for which something is destined.

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adjective

1. noting an attraction or event that people are willing to travel a long distance to get to, either because it is very good or distinctive or because it is located in a popular and interesting place.

   destination restaurants and resorts;

   a destination wedding in the Caribbean.

destination British  

/ ˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the predetermined end of a journey or voyage

2. the ultimate end or purpose for which something is created or a person is destined

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Other Word Forms

• multidestination adjective

Etymology

Origin of destination

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin dēstinātiōn-, stem of dēstinātiō “establishment, purpose,” from dēstināt(us) “established” (past participle of dēstināre “to determine, establish”; destine ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

The other countries whose vessels -- of origin or destination -- made the crossing, were in decreasing order: the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Brazil, and Iraq.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The 2022 Decadal Survey from the National Academies identified it as the highest priority destination for future exploration.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

But the patriarch of the Chicago Bears, George Halas, identified Arlington Heights, Ill., as his preferred destination for a stadium in 1975.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Sarris from the British Fertility Society says that is one reason why he suspects Northern Cyprus has become such a popular destination for fertility treatment.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

What they would do once they reached this destination was not specified: it was enough to have a goal.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

Related Words

• harbor
• haven
• station
• stop
• target
• terminal