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

The Rays are legendary across the industry for being on the cutting edge of pitching, making them the premiere destination for broken hurlers in need of an overhaul.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026

Announcing the plans, Apple Corps chief executive Tom Greene said Liverpool was getting a Beatles destination worthy of the city's musical heritage.

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

"Having a thorough understanding of Masaya's volcanic activity and its related hazards is critical as around 2 million people live near Masaya and the caldera is a national park and popular tourist destination," Johnson said.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026

Advocates envision it as a bucket-list destination akin to the Pacific Crest Trail and an economic driver for struggling rural towns.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026

“But because the danger is of my own choosing, I must head for my chosen destination freely and without ties.”

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

As Perseverance moves, it continuously captures images of its surroundings, constructs a three-dimensional map of potential obstacles, and selects a safe route between destinations chosen by mission controllers.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 21, 2026

They analyze shopping patterns and adjacency to other lifestyle destinations, for example a fantastic coffee shop or restaurant.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

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

From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2026

Both of them had gone travelling for a period of time in their early 20s, a classic gap-year style experience, and had enjoyed taking holidays, particularly to sunny destinations.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

Poda podas went by, their apprentices shouting the names of their destinations to attract customers.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah

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Related Words

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