designation
Americannoun
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an act of designating.
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the fact of being designated.
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something that designates; a distinctive name or title; appellation.
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nomination, appointment, or election to an office, position, etc..
His designation as treasurer has been confirmed.
noun
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something that designates, such as a name or distinctive mark
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the act of designating or the fact of being designated
Other Word Forms
- dedesignation noun
- redesignation noun
Etymology
Origin of designation
1350–1400; Middle English designacioun < Latin dēsignātiōn- (stem of dēsignātiō ) a marking out, equivalent to dēsignāt ( us ) ( see designate) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
When something has a designation, it has a title or a description that helps you identify it. The “organic” designation on the vegetables you buy lets you know that no pesticides were used in growing the plants. Designation can refer to a title, official or otherwise. You may earn the designation “class clown” for your goofiness, or ask your friends to refer to you by the designation, "Madame Super Brain." Designation is also the act of assigning such a title or position, like the designation of your daughter as heir to your estate. Often, designation refers to giving a formal position. The district board may be responsible for the designation of the next principal at your school.
Vocabulary lists containing designation
47 Great Words from "The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," by Junot Diaz
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50 Great Words from "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," by Jonathan Safran-Foer
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Auggie & Me
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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.
Campaigners in favour of the designation described that as a "missed opportunity" but opponents welcomed the move saying they were "very relieved".
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
It says companies that already received what is called a breakthrough-therapy designation from the Food and Drug Administration can get a voucher that speeds up the regulatory process.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026
It has a special designation because of the location.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
It’s unprecedented, Sinnar explained, because the state-level designation, while distinct, goes beyond the federal law governing the designation of terrorist organizations, which have been restrained by the First Amendment.
From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026
The entire thrust of the colonists’ justification for independence was to reject that designation on the grounds that they possessed all the rights of British citizens.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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.
