# design

/dɪˈzaɪn/ (US) · /dɪzˈaɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/design
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a plan or drawing

noun · CEFR A1

a plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of a building, garment, or other object before it is made.

For teachers: a detailed plan or specification for the construction of an object or the arrangement of a system.

- The architect showed us the final design for the new library.
- The engineering team spent months refining the design to ensure the bridge could withstand extreme weather conditions.

### 2. style or appearance

noun · CEFR A2

the way that something has been planned and made, often to look attractive.

For teachers: the aesthetic or functional arrangement of elements in an object or work of art.

- I really like the modern design of this sofa.
- The interior design of the hotel combines traditional materials with a minimalist aesthetic to create a calming atmosphere.

### 3. a decorative pattern

noun · CEFR B1

a decorative pattern on something like cloth, paper, or a wall.

For teachers: a decorative pattern or motif used as an element of artistic or architectural work.

- The wallpaper has a beautiful floral design in gold and white.
- The fabric features an intricate geometric design that reflects the cultural heritage of the region.

### 4. a secret intention

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a secret plan or purpose, often to do something bad.

For teachers: a decorative or calculated intention; often used in the plural to describe a plot or scheme.

- He had designs on his neighbor's land and tried to buy it cheaply.
- It soon became clear that the rival corporation had designs on the smaller firm's patents and was preparing a hostile takeover.

### 5. to create a plan

verb · CEFR A2

to decide how something will look or work by making a drawing or plan of it.

For teachers: to conceive and fashion in the mind; to invent and prepare a plan for an object or system.

- She wants to design her own wedding dress.
- The software was designed to help small businesses manage their finances more efficiently without needing an accountant.

### 6. to intend for a purpose

verb · CEFR B2

to plan or intend something for a specific person or use.

For teachers: to intend or set apart for a specific purpose or recipient; often used in the passive voice.

- This course is designed for students who have no experience with coding.
- The new legislation is designed to protect consumers from predatory lending practices in the housing market.

## Examples

- The new phone has a beautiful and simple design.
- The architect presented a modern design for the library, featuring large windows to let in natural light.
- The software's modular design allows developers to update individual components without disrupting the entire system's functionality, significantly reducing maintenance downtime.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.