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designation

noun
des·​ig·​na·​tion | \ ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce designation (audio) \

Definition of designation

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 More Example Sentences Learn More about designation

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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

 Despite the prosecutor’s intervention on Epstein’s behalf, the judge denied the request for the less-severe designation. — Melissa Gira Grant, The New Republic, "Is Cy Vance the Next Invincible New York Democrat to Lose?," 15 Aug. 2019 According to the application for the state historic designation, Robert B. Evans bought the land in 1865 and grazed 400 head of cattle on it. — Liz Teitz, ExpressNews.com, "Evans Road might lose its namesake historic home to meth lab damage," 8 Aug. 2019 What's next for the possible historic designation: The decision must go through three hearings. — Max Londberg, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati wants to demolish historic West End church, but Councilman Chris Seelbach says not so fast," 5 Aug. 2019 A decade ago, it was being considered for national historic designation, but that process was stopped because Messina was not on board. — Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, "Tom’s Diner one step closer to being protected as a Denver landmark after commission’s unanimous vote," 23 July 2019 There are always people who regard themselves as true conservatives, while anyone who differs from them is unfit for the designation. — Jay Nordlinger, National Review, "May I See Your ID?," 22 July 2019 When Portland’s Laurelhurst neighborhood was nominated for a historic place designation, Johnson said, less than 1 percent of homeowners objected. — oregonlive.com, "Eastmoreland nomination to National Register of Historic Places denied a third time," 22 July 2019 Only public forest system land will be considered for wilderness designation. — USA TODAY, "Tubing, Hemingway, great white sharks: News from around our 50 states," 21 July 2019 Maryland nominated the area for sanctuary designation in 2014 to conserve the shipwrecks and increase opportunities for public access, tourism and economic development. — baltimoresun.com, "Marine sanctuary named in Maryland with steamship remains," 9 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'designation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of designation

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for designation

see designate entry 1

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More Definitions for designation

designation

noun
How to pronounce designation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of designation

formal
: the act of officially choosing someone or something to do or be something
: a name or title that identifies someone or something

See the full definition for designation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

designation

noun
des·​ig·​na·​tion | \ ˌde-zig-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce designation (audio) \

Kids Definition of designation

1 : an act of choosing to be or do something Voters approved designation of the land as a wildlife refuge.
2 : a name, sign, or title that identifies something His official designation is Chief of Security.

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More from Merriam-Webster on designation

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with designation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for designation

Spanish Central: Translation of designation

Nglish: Translation of designation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of designation for Arabic Speakers

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