destination

American  

[des-tuh-ney-shuhn] / ˌdɛs təˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

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

• multidestination
  adjective

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

Stringent regulations for some visa applicants — notably those coming to the U.S. to study or for work-study programs and their dependents — have further clouded America’s image as a destination.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

New York had become the destination of a wave of migration as the city’s free homeless-shelter system drew migrants from such places as Venezuela who had no friends or family to take them in.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

This technique, known as a gravity assist, helped place Psyche on the correct path toward its ultimate destination, the metal-rich asteroid Psyche.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire was named Britain's cheapest seaside destination for ice cream, with a single scoop costing an average of £1.95.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

Affixed with a one-cent stamp bearing the likeness of Queen Victoria herself, a letter would reach its destination within hours of the time it was sent.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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