ENGLISH
REFERENCE

designation

n.
US //ˌdɛzəɡˈneɪʃən// UK //dˌɛzɪɡnˈeɪʃən// des·ig·na·tion
  1. 1 a title or name (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 2 choosing for a role (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 the act of identifying (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

Origin

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

© 2026 English Reference