designate

[dez-ig-neyt, dez-ig-nit, -neyt]

verb (used with object)

designated, designating 

1. to mark or point out; indicate; show; specify.

2. to denote; indicate; signify.

3. to name; entitle; style.

4. to nominate or select for a duty, office, purpose, etc.; appoint; assign.

adjective

1. named or selected for an office, position, etc., but not yet installed (often used in combination following the noun it modifies).

   ambassador-designate.

designate

/ ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪtrɪ /

verb

1. to indicate or specify

2. to give a name to; style; entitle

3. to select or name for an office or duty; appoint

adjective

1. (immediately postpositive) appointed, but not yet in office

   a minister designate

Other Word Forms

• designator noun
• designative adjective
• designatory adjective
• dedesignate verb (used with object)
• nondesignate adjective
• nondesignative adjective
• redesignate verb (used with object)
• undesignated adjective
• undesignative adjective
• well-designated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of designate¹

1640–50; < Latin dēsignātus, past participle of dēsignāre. See design, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of designate¹

C15: from Latin dēsignātus marked out, defined; see _design

Example Sentences

Government authorities have stepped in with official relief measures and sanctioned mourning activities, such as flying flags at half-staff and the establishment of designated condolence sites.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 1914, the latter became the first airfield on the West Coast to be officially designated an airport.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Of course, the market has already spotted its designated tech losers—software stocks.

Read more on Barron's

Of course, the market has already spotted its designated tech losers—software stocks.

Read more on Barron's

Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, is in desperate need of funds to rebuild and rearm its militia and pay other costs stemming from its bruising fight with Israel last year, the people said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• allocate 
• allot 
• appoint 
• appropriate 
• assign 
• authorize 
• choose 
• define 
• describe 
• earmark 
• elect 
• mark 
• name 
• nominate 
• set aside 
• stipulate