destination

American  

[des-tuh-ney-shuhn] / ˌdɛs təˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the place to which a person or thing travels or is sent.

   Her destination was Rome.

2. the purpose for which something is destined.

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adjective

1. noting an attraction or event that people are willing to travel a long distance to get to, either because it is very good or distinctive or because it is located in a popular and interesting place.

   destination restaurants and resorts;

   a destination wedding in the Caribbean.

destination British  

/ ˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the predetermined end of a journey or voyage

2. the ultimate end or purpose for which something is created or a person is destined

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Other Word Forms

• multidestination adjective

Etymology

Origin of destination

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin dēstinātiōn-, stem of dēstinātiō “establishment, purpose,” from dēstināt(us) “established” (past participle of dēstināre “to determine, establish”; see destine) + -iō -ion

Explanation

Destination can describe where you are going, like a traveler whose destination is Paris, or a place that is known for a particular purpose, such as a hip new music club that's a destination for fans of indie rock. The noun destination comes from the Latin word destinare, meaning "determine, appoint, choose, make firm or fast." If you choose a destination, that's where you intend to end up, the "finish line" or goal that you keep in mind, like a friend's house that is the destination of a walk that might be interrupted a number of times, as you stop in stores along the way and pause to talk to the people you meet.

Example Sentences

Some sanctioned vessels have sailed west into the Gulf beyond Hormuz, but flagged their destination as Iraq or other non-Iranian destinations.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

After staffing up with local-news veterans and formally overhauling WGN America’s branding, NewsNation launched to the United States in March 2021 as “the destination for fact-based, unbiased news,” per Compton’s pitch.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026

A seaside town has the third highest rate of people needing debt support in England and Wales partly due to it being a seasonal holiday destination, experts have said.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Las Vegas is a major touring destination for acts during Mexican independence celebrations in September, but now “it feels different,” Aréliz said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

It was d’Alembert who realized that it was important to consider the journey as well as the destination.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Related Words

• harbor
• haven
• station
• stop
• target
• terminal