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

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

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

The security detail listed the destination as Lahaina, a small community on the Hawaiian island’s west coast.

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026

After his initial destination Syria was lost with the invasion of France, he instead made his way to British-controlled Palestine where he joined the newly-formed Polish brigade, the Carpathian Rifle Brigade alongside his father.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

The destination lies on the other side, but there are several possible routes to reach it.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2026

A Mattel spokesperson said the company is exploring opportunities to bring such interactive experiences “beyond traditional destination markets.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026

Final destination was not as impressive as a destination vacation.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

Senate, took at least 17 trips over three months, including to resort destinations Park City, Utah, and Vail, Colorado.

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026

Despite its economic difficulties, South Africa remains one of the continent's main destinations for migrants seeking employment, safety and better opportunities.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

Many residents in popular destinations like Barcelona complain that short-term tourist accommodation is limiting supply and driving up prices.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

Overall, 1.5 million passengers traveled to the U.A.E. from the airport last year, behind only Greece and the U.S. as the biggest destinations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

Outside of Penn Station is bustling with people trying to get to their destinations.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles

Related Words

• harbor
• haven
• station
• stop
• target
• terminal