designate

[ verb dez-ig-neyt; adjective dez-ig-nit, -neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, des·ig·nat·ed, des·ig·nat·ing.

1. to mark or point out; indicate; show; specify.
2. to denote; indicate; signify.
3. to name; entitle; style.
4. to nominate or select for a duty, office, purpose, etc.; appoint; assign.

adjective

1. named or selected for an office, position, etc., but not yet installed (often used in combination following the noun it modifies):

   ambassador-designate.

designate

/ ˌdɛzɪɡˈneɪtrɪ /

verb

1. to indicate or specify
2. to give a name to; style; entitle
3. to select or name for an office or duty; appoint

adjective

1. immediately postpositive appointed, but not yet in office

   a minister designate

Derived Forms

• ˈdesigˌnator, noun
• ˈdesigˌnative, adjective

Other Words From

• desig·native des·ig·na·to·ry [dez, -ig-n, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, dez-ig-, ney, -t, uh, -ree], adjective
• desig·nator noun
• de·desig·nate verb (used with object) dedesignated dedesignating
• non·desig·nate adjective
• non·desig·native adjective
• re·desig·nate verb (used with object) redesignated redesignating
• un·desig·nated adjective
• un·desig·native adjective
• well-desig·nated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of designate¹

1640–50; < Latin dēsignātus, past participle of dēsignāre. See design, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of designate¹

C15: from Latin dēsignātus marked out, defined; see design

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security designated the 17-day competition as a National Special Security Event.

From Los Angeles Times

California’s Safely Surrendered Baby law allows for parents or guardians to confidentially surrender newborns under 72 hours old to hospitals or designated fire stations without questions or penalty of abandonment.

From Los Angeles Times

Israeli forces have also “repeatedly struck designated evacuation routes and safe zones”, it adds.

From BBC

Voters could send their ballots back through the mail or drop them off in designated boxes or voting centers.

From Los Angeles Times

The groups use a designated walking path that traces the stadium's perimeter.

From BBC

Related Words

• allocate
• allot
• appoint
• appropriate
• assign
• authorize
• choose
• define
• describe
• earmark
• elect
• mark
• name
• nominate
• set aside
• stipulate