designer
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪzˈaɪnə/
US
- /dɪˈzaɪnər/
Description
- creator
- planner
- stylist
- drafter
- maker
A designer isn't just someone who makes things look pretty – they solve problems through planning and creativity! Think of a fashion designer creating clothes, an architect designing buildings, or even a video game designer building rich worlds. They all start with an idea and carefully plan how to bring it to life.
The word "designer" comes from Latin designare, meaning "to mark out" or "to designate." A chef who designs a new menu is a designer, just as much as someone designing a car! It's about purpose and careful creation. You might say, "She's a talented graphic designer," or "The company hired a well-known landscape designer to update the garden."
The word "designer" refers to a person who plans the form, look, or how something works before it is made or built. It's much more than just aesthetics; design is about functionality and problem-solving. While we often think of fashion designers creating clothing lines or interior designers decorating homes, the role extends far beyond these areas.
A software designer might map out how a new app will function, ensuring it's user-friendly and efficient. A mechanical engineer designs machines and systems. Even a city planner is a type of designer, shaping the layout and infrastructure of urban spaces. The key element is intentional creation – taking an idea from concept to reality with careful consideration for both form and function.
The term can also be used as an adjective: "designer clothes" are high-fashion items created by well-known designers. You might hear about "user experience (UX) design," focusing on making digital products easy and enjoyable to use, or "service design," which focuses on improving the overall customer journey.
In some phrases, "designer" can mean something that is deliberately engineered for a specific effect, as in "designer drugs."
So whether it's a sleek smartphone, a comfortable chair, or an efficient transportation system, everything around us has been touched by the hand of a designer – someone who envisions, plans, and brings ideas into being.
Examples
- 1
Graphic design
She works as a graphic designer for a small marketing company.
- 2
Interior design
We hired an interior designer to help us plan the kitchen.
- 3
App design
The lead designer showed the team three ideas for the new app.
- 4
Fashion design
He wants to be a fashion designer, so he spends a lot of time sketching clothes.
- 5
Job search
Many young designers post their work online before they find full-time jobs.
- 6
Designer brands
She only buys designer shoes when they go on sale.
Phrase
designer shoes
shoes from a famous brand, usually expensive
- 7
Appearance vs price
The watch looked designer, but it was actually quite cheap.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- designernounadjective
Forms
- designerspluralnounadjective