destination
Americannoun
-
the place to which a person or thing travels or is sent.
Her destination was Rome.
-
the purpose for which something is destined.
adjective
noun
-
the predetermined end of a journey or voyage
-
the ultimate end or purpose for which something is created or a person is destined
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Vocabulary lists containing destination
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Steve Jobs's Commencement Address (2005)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Its unique landscapes also make it a prime tourist destination, especially for the ultra-wealthy.
From Barron's ● Jul. 19, 2026
It is the leading destination for the world’s best players and its smartest coaches.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
“The Odyssey” is a saga with half a dozen detours and one destination, Ithaca, Odysseus’ kingdom.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026
Within five years, the trees were bearing fruit, and Russia became the natural destination for much of the harvest, trucked north across the border.
From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026
They were traveling and had purpose and destination, but no conclusion.
From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt
Davis said the train that picked up stranded passengers ended in downtown Riverside, and Metrolink arranged for bus and Uber rides for people to get to their final destinations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2026
They lock in loyalty as customers build up masses of points, hoping to someday cash in on trips to dream destinations like Tahiti and Hawaii.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
By early this year, there were only a few destinations left to check.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2026
Twenty-nine destinations now carry methanol poisoning warnings on UK government travel advice, including popular tourist destinations such as Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
