design

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A plan or drawing showing how something will be made or how it will work.

   The design for the new bridge took two years to complete.

2. 2
   verb

   To plan and make drawings for something before it is built or made.

   She designs furniture for a living.

3. 3
   noun

   A pattern of lines, shapes or colours used to decorate something.

   The plates had a delicate flower design around the edge.

4. 4
   verb

   To make or intend something for a particular purpose.

   This room was designed for meetings, not for work.

Common collocations

• design a system Verb + noun

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.

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