n.
Pronunciation: di- ' z ī n
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, to outline, indicate, mean, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French designer to designate, from Medieval Latin designare, from Latin, to mark out, from de- + signare to mark ― more at SIGN
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 : to create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan : DEVISE , CONTRIVE
2 a : to conceive and plan out in the mind <he design ed the perfect crime> b : to have as a purpose : INTEND <she design ed to excel in her studies> c : to devise for a specific function or end <a book design ed primarily as a college textbook>
3 archaic : to indicate with a distinctive mark, sign, or name
4 a : to make a drawing, pattern, or sketch of b : to draw the plans for < design a building>
intransitive verb
1 : to conceive or execute a plan
2 : to draw, lay out, or prepare a design
– de · sign · ed · ly \ - ' z ī -n ə d-l ē \ adverb