destination

American  

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

noun

• destinations
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• multidestination
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• destinations
  plural

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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”; see destine) + -iō -ion

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Explanation

Destination can describe where you are going, like a traveler whose destination is Paris, or a place that is known for a particular purpose, such as a hip new music club that's a destination for fans of indie rock. The noun destination comes from the Latin word destinare, meaning "determine, appoint, choose, make firm or fast." If you choose a destination, that's where you intend to end up, the "finish line" or goal that you keep in mind, like a friend's house that is the destination of a walk that might be interrupted a number of times, as you stop in stores along the way and pause to talk to the people you meet.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

destination destinations

Although vehicles will be encouraged to use the official route, Caltrans acknowledged that drivers will take the path of least resistance to their destination.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2026

These businesses can book a cargo container, sea passage to an overseas destination, arrange insurance cover, and secure finance.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

Riyadh Air formally started commercial operations in June and is a key pillar of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to turn the kingdom into a major, futuristic tourism destination.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Users can choose their destination and dates later, and there aren’t any blackout dates or additional fees, according to the Happiness Insurance website.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

It was pouring as he turned a corner and discovered he’d reached his destination.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Senate, took at least 17 trips over three months, including to resort destinations Park City, Utah, and Vail, Colorado.

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026

Many residents in popular destinations like Barcelona complain that short-term tourist accommodation is limiting supply and driving up prices.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

Emirates, with its double-decker Airbus aircraft and Boeing jetliners, flies to the major world destinations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

Amid drumming and dancing, Boateng Bismark James leads 13 worshippers, nine men and four women, in prayer for drivers and passengers travelling to destinations across Ghana.

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026

Like travelers with exotic destinations on their minds, the graduates were remarkably forgetful.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

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Related Words

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

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