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

They were caught as they were "preparing to board flights out of the country", authorities added, but their final destination is unclear.

From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2026

Shipments to the United States, the biggest destination for German goods, slipped by 0.5 percent.

From Barron's ● Nov. 9, 2026

It entered the Indian Ocean on Sept. 11 and changed its destination back to Port Klang, according to ship-tracking data.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

They retain the right to question the destination, reconsider promises and withdraw their support.

From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026

The one he kept was black, which seemed to hide some of the inevitable wrinkles that came with travel, so he could arrive at his destination looking somewhat presentable.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Understanding these contributions can help researchers develop more complete carbon budgets, which track the sources, movements, and destinations of carbon within the Earth's systems.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 7, 2026

Two Finnair flights from Helsinki landed at their destinations as normal, the airline said.

From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026

Private charter pilots can face pressure from clients who pay top dollar for the experience and want to get to their destinations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026

Both of the releases successfully accomplish their goals and deliver a worthwhile experience for interested listeners, but follow different paths to reach their respective sonic destinations.

From Salon ● Nov. 3, 2026

An air-postman will check their compasses and sweep them to their destinations this afternoon.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

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Related Words

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