I. des ‧ ig ‧ nate 1 /ˈdezɪɡneɪt/ BrE AmE verb [transitive usually passive]
1 . to choose someone or something for a particular job or purpose
be designated something
The lake was recently designated a conservation area.
designate something as/for something
Funds were designated for projects in low-income areas.
designate somebody to do something
She has been designated to take over the position of treasurer.
2 . to represent or refer to something using a particular sign, name etc:
Buildings are designated by red squares on the map.
II. des ‧ ig ‧ nate 2 /ˈdezɪɡnət, ˈdezɪɡnɪt,-neɪt/ BrE AmE adjective [only after noun]
[ Date: 1700-1800 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: designatus , past participle of designare ; ⇨ ↑ design 2 ]
formal used after the name of an official job to show that someone has been chosen for that job but has not yet officially started work:
the director designate