destination

American  

[des-tuh-ney-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

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

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

Saunders also noted that Cracker Barrel is still not exactly a destination for diners outside of its most loyal customers.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026

The fire, which began on Wednesday, has burned more than 100,000 acres in the Gironde region, a popular tourist destination, and destroyed 240 houses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

With commercial tourism, social media and vlogging much of today’s world feels overexposed and overexplained, with seemingly every destination photographed, every experience reviewed and all hidden gems channeled into content.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026

Officials evacuated the entire Cap Ferret peninsula on the south-west coast, with hundreds escaping by boat after flames swept through the popular tourist destination.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

She was nearer to her destination than she had been, but oh!

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Warner executives say the restrictions haven’t materially affected the company’s operations, noting HBO Max continues to grow and the company’s television and movie studios remain among the industry’s strongest creative destinations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

"But there are many other elements. Italy is not Denmark in terms of culture, environment, prices. All of that means people don't easily change destinations when they have a favourite," he said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026

But some of Scotland's most popular tourist destinations, including the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Orkney and Shetland have rejected any proposals.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

It brought the city in line with other popular European destinations including Amsterdam, Paris and Rome in taxing visitors.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

Poda podas went by, their apprentices shouting the names of their destinations to attract customers.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

Related Words

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