Definition of DESIGNATION (original) (raw)
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
Synonyms
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 Together, these brigades—each with a designation between 150 and 160—represent a 10-percent expansion of the Ukrainian ground forces. —David Axe, Forbes, 11 Sep. 2024 This 100 percent Sangiovese, single-vineyard wine has been produced since 1982, and since then its designation has graduated from table wine to IGT to Chianti Classico Riserva to Gran Selezione. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2024 The designation is used for sectors like semiconductors and nuclear technology. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Asia, 5 Sep. 2024 Still, TdA’s new federal designation – as a transnational criminal organization – opens up dedicated funding for related investigations. —Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for designation 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'designation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
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
Dictionary Entries Near designation
Cite this Entry
“Designation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/designation. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 15 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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