What does "design" mean?
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.
Design
/dɪˈzaɪn/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Top 500 ·Elementary level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: 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.
- Grammar: design is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: blueprint, plan, intent, purpose.
- Useful contrasts: by chance, happenstance, implementation.
- Usage evidence: It is true that he did it, whether by accident or by design.
How to use "design"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "design" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "design" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "design" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "design" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "design" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "blueprint" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "design", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
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. countable, uncountable
- 2 the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan) wordnet
- 3 A plan (with more or less detail) for the structure and functions of an artifact, building or system. countable, uncountable
"The initial design of the park was rejected for being too expensive."
- 4 a decorative or artistic work wordnet
- 5 A pattern, as an element of a work of art or architecture. countable, uncountable
"We're working on some new designs for our range of summer shirts"
Show 10 more definitions
- 6 a preliminary sketch indicating the plan for something wordnet
- 7 The composition of a work of art. countable, uncountable
- 8 the creation of something in the mind wordnet
- 9 Intention or plot. countable, uncountable
"We have designs on winning the league next season."
- 10 an arrangement scheme wordnet
- 11 Intention or plot.; Malicious or malevolent intention. countable, uncountable
"To have evil designs."
- 12 something intended as a guide for making something else wordnet
- 13 The shape or appearance given to an object, especially one that is intended to make it more attractive. countable, uncountable
"He turned back to the scene before him and the enormous new block of council dwellings. The design was some way after Corbusier but the block was built up on plinths and resembled an Atlantic liner swimming diagonally across the site."
- 14 an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions wordnet
- 15 The art of designing countable, uncountable
"Danish furniture design is world-famous."
Verb
- 1 To plan and carry out (a picture, work of art, construction etc.). transitive
"He always designs gaming laptops from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am."
- 2 intend or have as a purpose wordnet
- 3 To plan (to do something). intransitive, obsolete
"The king designed to mount an expedition to the New World."
- 4 plan something for a specific role or purpose or effect wordnet
- 5 To assign, appoint (something to someone); to designate. obsolete, transitive
"he looks not below the Moon, but hath designed the regiment of sublunary affairs unto inferiour deputations."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 conceive or fashion in the mind; invent wordnet
- 7 To mark out and exhibit; to designate; to indicate; to show; to point out; to appoint. obsolete, transitive
- 8 make or work out a plan for; devise wordnet
- 9 To manifest requirements to be satisfied by an object or process for them to solve a problem.
"We shall see / Justice design the victor's chivalry."
- 10 create the design for; create or execute in an artistic or highly skilled manner wordnet
- 11 create designs wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"It is true that he did it, whether by accident or by design."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "design"?
Common synonyms include: blueprint, plan, intent, purpose, abstract art, abstract model.
How do you use "design" in a sentence?
It is true that he did it, whether by accident or by design.
How do you pronounce "design"?
Pronounced /dɪˈzaɪn/.
Etymology
From Middle English designen, from Old French designer, from Latin designō (“I mark out, point out, describe, design, contrive”), from de- (or dis-) + signō (“I mark”), from signum (“mark”). Doublet of designate.