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

Bend, a popular destination for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation scene, "is devastated," Vanetsky said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

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

It was a reassuring sign that he was headed in the right direction: His destination lay on the edge of a pond.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

"It is enabling us to create a tourism destination and put us on the world map," she said.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

He ambled, he strolled, he sauntered, and seemed in no rush to get to his destination.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

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

FlyDubai categorizes airports in terms of difficulty, pilots say, with Tel Aviv’s airport ranking as one of the easier destinations in the airline’s network and not requiring major experience.

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

The street was not very busy; nobody was lingering to chat, just hurrying toward their destinations.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

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Related Words

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