design

[dih-zahyn]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR design ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed), especially to plan the form and structure of: to design a new bridge.

to plan and fashion artistically or skillfully.

to intend for a definite purpose: a scholarship designed for foreign students.

to form or conceive in the mind; contrive; plan: The prisoner designed an intricate escape.

to assign in thought or intention; purpose: He designed to be a doctor.

Obsolete. to mark out, as by a sign; indicate.

verb (used without object)

to make drawings, preliminary sketches, or plans.

to plan and fashion the form and structure of an object, work of art, decorative scheme, etc.

noun

an outline, sketch, or plan, as of the form and structure of a work of art, an edifice, or a machine to be executed or constructed.

organization or structure of formal elements in a work of art; composition.

the combination of details or features of a picture, building, etc.; the pattern or motif of artistic work: the design on a bracelet.

the art of designing: a school of design.

a plan or project: a design for a new process.

a plot or intrigue, especially an underhand, deceitful, or treacherous one: His political rivals formulated a design to unseat him.

designs, a hostile or aggressive project or scheme having evil or selfish motives: He had designs on his partner's stock.

intention; purpose; end.

adaptation of means to a preconceived end.

Origin of design

1350–1400; Middle English designen < Latin dēsignāre to mark out. See de-, sign

Related formsout·de·sign, verb (used with object)o·ver·de·sign, verbpre·de·sign, verb (used with object)re·de·sign, verbself-de·sign, nounun·der·de·sign, verb (used with object)

Synonym study

5. See intend. 13. See plan.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for design

picture, scheme, layout, form, map, pattern, study, idea, method, construction, architecture, composition, model, arrangement, drawing, plan, style, motif, shape, device

Examples from the Web for design

Contemporary Examples of design

An F-35 was destroyed on takeoff earlier in the year when a design flaw in its Pratt & Whitney F135 engine sparked a fire.
New U.S. Stealth Jet Can’t Fire Its Gun Until 2019
Dave Majumdar
December 31, 2014
But the F-35 has been plagued with massive delays and cost overruns—mostly due to design defects and software issues.
New U.S. Stealth Jet Can’t Fire Its Gun Until 2019
Dave Majumdar
December 31, 2014
In general, their presence is meant to throw you off your game by design.
Brie Larson’s Hollywood Transformation
Marlow Stern
December 29, 2014
Industry experts claim an increase in awareness amongst men when it comes to styles, design, and price regarding their underwear.
Would You Pay $100 For a 50 Cent Bulge? Men’s Undies Get Expensive
James Joiner
December 23, 2014
Encompass Develop, Design Construct, LLC A Kentucky-based architect, design and construction service.
The 26 Next Hobby Lobbys
Abby Haglage
December 17, 2014

Historical Examples of design

I'll send young Rapson, the architect, along to make a design.
Viviette
William J. Locke
They are apprehensive that Mr. Lovelace will be there with design to come home with me.
Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
The mosaic border to the frame is quite unique in its design.
Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 7, May 14, 1870
Various
It was a thing that happened; there was no design in it; that would have been out of character.
Quaint Courtships
Various
Your design is great and noble; and I doubt not but God will bless you in it.
The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson
Robert Southey

British Dictionary definitions for design

design

verb

to work out the structure or form of (something), as by making a sketch, outline, pattern, or plans

to plan and make (something) artistically or skilfully

(tr) to form or conceive in the mind; invent

(tr) to intend, as for a specific purpose; plan

(tr) obsolete to mark out or designate

noun

a plan, sketch, or preliminary drawing

the arrangement or pattern of elements or features of an artistic or decorative workthe design of the desk is Chippendale

a finished artistic or decorative creation

the art of designing

a plan, scheme, or project

an end aimed at or planned for; intention; purpose

(often plural; often foll by on or against) a plot or hostile scheme, often to gain possession of (something) by illegitimate means

a coherent or purposeful pattern, as opposed to chaosGod's design appears in nature

argument from design philosophy another name for teleological argument

Derived Formsdesignable, adjective

Word Origin for design

C16: from Latin dēsignāre to mark out, describe, from de- + signāre to mark, from signum a mark, sign

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for design

1540s, from Latin designare "mark out, devise, choose, designate, appoint," from de- "out" (see de-) + signare "to mark," from signum "a mark, sign" (see sign (n.)). Originally in English with the meaning now attached to designate; many modern uses of design are metaphoric extensions. Related: Designed; designing.

1580s, from Middle French desseign "purpose, project, design," from Italian disegno, from disegnare "to mark out," from Latin designare "to mark out" (see design (v.)).

Idioms and Phrases with design

design

see by design; have designs on.