design

noun

UK /dɪˈzaɪn/

Word Forms

singular	design
plural	designs

1
countable/uncountable the way that something is made so that it works in a certain way or has a certain appearance
a completely new design of car
Please note that the designs may vary from those illustrated.
It’ll never work efficiently because there’s a basic design fault (=problem).
Synonyms and related words
Patterns and arrangements
arabesque
argyle
arrangement
1. 1a
  countable a drawing that shows what something will look like when it is made
  design for:
  We looked at several different designs for the new bridge.
  Synonyms and related words
  Graphs, charts and diagrams
  axis
  bar chart
  bar graph
2. 1b
  uncountable the process of deciding how something will be made, including how it will work and what it will look like
  software design
  the design and construction of new buildings
  Synonyms and related words
  Inventing and inventions or discoveries
  breakthrough
  coin
  contrive
3. 1c
  uncountable the study of how to make things, especially how to give them a particular shape or appearance
  a degree in design
  Synonyms and related words
  Specific areas of study
  acoustics
  aesthetics
  agriculture
2
countable a pattern that decorates something
simple geometric designs
Synonyms and related words
Patterns and arrangements
arabesque
argyle
arrangement
3
countable/uncountable literarya plan or idea
Chapman was left with the freedom to work out his grand designs.
Synonyms and related words
Preparations and plans
preparation
agreement
plan

phrases

by design

have designs on someone

have designs on something

design

noun

US /dɪˈzaɪn/

Word Forms

singular	design
plural	designs

1
countable/uncountable the way that something is made so that it works in a certain way or has a certain appearance
Please note that the designs may vary from those illustrated.
a completely new design of car
It’ll never work efficiently because there’s a basic design flaw (=problem).
Synonyms and related words
Patterns and arrangements
arabesque
argyle
arrangement
1. 1a
  countable a drawing that shows what something will look like when it is made
  design for:
  We looked at several different designs for the new bridge.
  Synonyms and related words
  Graphs, charts and diagrams
  axis
  bar chart
  bar graph
2. 1b
  uncountable the process of deciding how something will be made, including how it will work and what it will look like
  software design
  the design and construction of new buildings
  Synonyms and related words
  Inventing and inventions or discoveries
  breakthrough
  coin
  contrive
3. 1c
  uncountable the study of how to make things, especially how to give them a particular shape or appearance
  a degree in design
  Synonyms and related words
  Specific areas of study
  acoustics
  aesthetics
  agriculture
2
countable a pattern that decorates something
simple geometric designs
Synonyms and related words
Patterns and arrangements
arabesque
argyle
arrangement
3
countable/uncountable literarya plan or idea
Chapman was left with the freedom to work out his grand designs.
Synonyms and related words
Preparations and plans
preparation
agreement
plan

phrases

by design

have designs on someone

have designs on something

design

verb transitive

UK /dɪˈzaɪn/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	design
he/she/it	designs
present participle	designing
past tense	designed
past participle	designed

1
to decide how something will be made, including how it will work and what it will look like, and often to make drawings of it
The bride wore a cream silk dress that she designed herself.
The bridge was designed by John Rennie.
She has a job designing websites.
Synonyms and related words
To design something
draw up
design
invent

phrases

be designed to do something

design

verb transitive

US /dɪˈzaɪn/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	design
he/she/it	designs
present participle	designing
past tense	designed
past participle	designed

1
to decide how something will be made, including how it will work and what it will look like, and often to make drawings of it
The bride wore a cream silk dress that she designed herself.
The bridge was designed by John Rennie.
She has a job designing websites.
Synonyms and related words
To design something
draw up
design
invent

phrases

be designed to do something

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