1
: the act of indicating or identifying
the designation of a speech sound
2
: appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service
awaiting his next designation
3
: a distinguishing name, sign, or title
… the only star in Lynx with a Greek letter designation Richard Berry
approved the area's designation as a wildlife refuge
4
: the relation between a sign and the thing signified

Examples of designation in a Sentence

Though many people call her a liberal, it is not a designation she uses herself. we've never given the homemade gadget a proper designation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their designations, in place for the next three years, were announced by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond on March 13. Cyril A. Reinicke, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025 According to the state Department of Education, about half of the state’s schools have that community school designation. William J. Ford, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2025 Once adopted, fire safety regulations tied to the new designations are set to take effect after a 30-day period. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 The new zoning designation enables the development of advanced manufacturing facilities and related operations. George Avalos, Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for designation

Word History

Etymology

see designate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of designation was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

designation

noun
1
: the act of indicating or identifying
2
: appointment to or selection for an office, post, or service
3
: a name, sign, or title that identifies something

More from Merriam-Webster on designation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!