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design Meaning & Definition

/dɪˈzaɪn/

What Does Design Mean?

Design is a noun that means 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. It is also used to mean A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system. As a verb, it means To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.).

Design at a Glance

Part of speechnoun, verb
Pronunciation/dɪˈzaɪn/
Synonymscontrive, project and conception
Pluraldesigns
Verb formsdesigns, designing, designed

Design Definition (Noun)

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. The composition of a work of art.
  5. Intention or plot.

    We have designs on winning the league next season.

  6. The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive.
  7. The art of designing

    Danish furniture design is world-famous.

Design as a Verb

  1. To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.).

    comments designed to chip away at my self-esteem

  2. To plan (to do something).

    The king designed to mount an expedition to the New World.

  3. To assign, appoint (something to someone); to designate.
  4. To mark out and exhibit; to designate; to indicate; to show; to point out; to appoint.
  5. To manifest requirements to be satisfied by an object or process for them to solve a problem.

Synonyms of Design

Design synonyms and antonyms →

Design in a Sentence

The initial design of the park was rejected for being too expensive.

We're working on some new designs for our range of summer shirts

We have designs on winning the league next season.

To be hateful of the truth by design.

Danish furniture design is world-famous.

comments designed to chip away at my self-esteem

He always designs gaming laptops from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am.

The king designed to mount an expedition to the New World.

The client had me create new designs until they were satisfied with one.

Word Forms & Grammar

design (countable and uncountable, plural designs)

design (third-person singular simple present designs, present participle designing, simple past and past participle designed)

Words That Rhyme With Design

Origin of Design

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.

Common Questions About Design

Is design a noun or a verb?

Design is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.

What is another word for design?

Words with a similar meaning to design include contrive, project and conception. See the full list of design synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of design?

The plural of design is designs.

What is the past tense of design?

The past tense of design is designed. The present participle is designing.

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