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Added 9 October 2026

design

/dɪˈzaɪn/ noun

Latin root: designō Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about design at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A specification of an object or process, referring to requirements to be satisfied and thus conditions to be met for them to solve a problem.
A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system.
The initial design of the park was rejected for being too expensive.
A pattern, as an element of a work of art or architecture.
We're working on some new designs for our range of summer shirts

verb

To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.).
comments designed to chip away at my self-esteem
To plan (to do something).
The king designed to mount an expedition to the New World.
To assign, appoint (something to someone); to designate.

Origin

From Middle English designen, from Old French designer, from Latin designō (“to mark out, point out, describe, design, contrive”), from de- (or dis-) + signō (“to mark”), from signum (“mark”). Doublet of designate.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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