designate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to mark or point out; indicate; show; specify.
-
to denote; indicate; signify.
-
to name; entitle; style.
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to nominate or select for a duty, office, purpose, etc.; appoint; assign.
adjective
verb
-
to indicate or specify
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to give a name to; style; entitle
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to select or name for an office or duty; appoint
adjective
Other Word Forms
- dedesignate verb (used with object)
- designative adjective
- designator noun
- designatory adjective
- nondesignate adjective
- nondesignative adjective
- redesignate verb (used with object)
- undesignated adjective
- undesignative adjective
- well-designated adjective
Etymology
Origin of designate
1640–50; < Latin dēsignātus, past participle of dēsignāre. See design, -ate 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As the route sits within a designated bat conservation area, lighting must be carefully designed to minimise ecological impact, which means downlighting is used rather than uplighting.
From BBC
Among the powers it gives the president is the authority to designate countries that wrongfully detain an American and impose consequences.
Athletes ride down a ramp and perform one trick when they launch into the air and land in a designated zone.
From BBC
Presidents Day isn’t even officially called Presidents Day: It is designated by U.S. law as Washington’s Birthday and was created in 1885 to honor President George Washington.
From Barron's
Seoul's spy agency said last week she had now been clearly "designated as a successor", citing her participation in high-profile events with her father.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
