verb (used with object)
- to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed), especially to plan the form and structure of: to design a new bridge.
- to plan and fashion artistically or skillfully.
- to intend for a definite purpose: a scholarship designed for foreign students.
- to form or conceive in the mind; contrive; plan: The prisoner designed an intricate escape.
- to assign in thought or intention; purpose: He designed to be a doctor.
- Obsolete. to mark out, as by a sign; indicate.
verb (used without object)
- to make drawings, preliminary sketches, or plans.
- to plan and fashion the form and structure of an object, work of art, decorative scheme, etc.
noun
- an outline, sketch, or plan, as of the form and structure of a work of art, an edifice, or a machine to be executed or constructed.
- organization or structure of formal elements in a work of art; composition.
- the combination of details or features of a picture, building, etc.; the pattern or motif of artistic work: the design on a bracelet.
- the art of designing: a school of design.
- a plan or project: a design for a new process.
- a plot or intrigue, especially an underhand, deceitful, or treacherous one: His political rivals formulated a design to unseat him.
- designs, a hostile or aggressive project or scheme having evil or selfish motives: He had designs on his partner’s stock.
- intention; purpose; end.
- adaptation of means to a preconceived end.
verb
- to work out the structure or form of (something), as by making a sketch, outline, pattern, or plans
- to plan and make (something) artistically or skilfully
- (tr) to form or conceive in the mind; invent
- (tr) to intend, as for a specific purpose; plan
- (tr) obsolete to mark out or designate
noun
- a plan, sketch, or preliminary drawing
- the arrangement or pattern of elements or features of an artistic or decorative workthe design of the desk is Chippendale
- a finished artistic or decorative creation
- the art of designing
- a plan, scheme, or project
- an end aimed at or planned for; intention; purpose
- (often plural; often foll by on or against) a plot or hostile scheme, often to gain possession of (something) by illegitimate means
- a coherent or purposeful pattern, as opposed to chaosGod’s design appears in nature
- argument from design philosophy another name for teleological argument
1540s, from Latin designare “mark out, devise, choose, designate, appoint,” from de- “out” (see de-) + signare “to mark,” from signum “a mark, sign” (see sign (n.)). Originally in English with the meaning now attached to designate; many modern uses of design are metaphoric extensions. Related: Designed; designing.
1580s, from Middle French desseign “purpose, project, design,” from Italian disegno, from disegnare “to mark out,” from Latin designare “to mark out” (see design (v.)).
see by design; have designs on.