English Reference
noun

designation

n.
US /ˌdɛzəɡˈneɪʃən/ UK /dˌɛzɪɡnˈeɪʃən/ des·ig·na·tion UK spelling designations

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    a formal name or title given to a person, place, or thing.

    a distinguishing name, title, or classification assigned to an entity.

    Simple

    The area received a special designation as a national park to protect the local wildlife.

    In context

    The historic district's designation as a protected heritage site prevents developers from altering the original facades of the nineteenth-century buildings.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of choosing or appointing someone for a specific job or position.

    the act of selecting or appointing a person for a specific office, duty, or purpose.

    Simple

    Her designation as the new team leader was welcomed by all her colleagues.

    In context

    The board's designation of a temporary successor ensured that the company remained stable during the unexpected leadership transition.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of pointing something out or marking it clearly.

    the act of identifying or specifying something by a particular mark or description.

    Simple

    The clear designation of emergency exits is required by law in all public buildings.

    In context

    The precise designation of boundaries on the map helped resolve the long-standing dispute between the two neighbouring landowners.

Glasses must show an ISO 12312-2:2015 designation and have a valid CE mark if sold in the European Union, as well as the manufacturer's name, instructions and warnings.

The Local· 11 Aug 2026

The United States has expanded its use of foreign terrorism designations against criminal organizations.

The Conversation· 10 Aug 2026

From Middle English designacioun, from Latin dēsignātiō, and partly (especially in sense 5) from design + -ation. By surface analysis, designate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin dēsignātiō
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated