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

President Donald Trump has made it a priority that the U.S. is, and will continue to be, that launchpad and the premier destination for foreign investment.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

The Silver Lake Reservoir is a popular destination for joggers and walkers and has been considered a relatively safe public space for the Los Angeles community.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

That was the first leg on an itinerary that would take him to Rome and then his final destination, Amman.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Ecuador, and Cuenca specifically, became famous as a retirement destination around 2010 when International Living magazine rated it as the best place to retire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

It wasn’t much of a tourist destination, but it still bustled with shoppers and traffic.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn

Related Words

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