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

Users can choose their destination and dates later, and there aren’t any blackout dates or additional fees, according to the Happiness Insurance website.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

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

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026

Even though they had both been to their first destination, Bali in Indonesia, before, the culture shock still hit them.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

Torrential rains caused by Simon have already caused flooding in Acapulco, another major tourist destination further south.

From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026

“Pita, we’re here. You’re going to be okay, mamita,” I said as we stood staring down at our destination.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

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

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 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

FlyDubai categorizes airports in terms of difficulty, pilots say, with Tel Aviv’s airport ranking as one of the easier destinations in the airline’s network and not requiring major experience.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

Amid drumming and dancing, Boateng Bismark James leads 13 worshippers, nine men and four women, in prayer for drivers and passengers travelling to destinations across Ghana.

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026

He issued last-minute instructions to staff, and when ten people had crammed themselves into the cab or the bed of the pickup, needing a ride to various destinations, we departed the complex.

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

Related Words

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