WordGarden.iodestination
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˌɛstɪnˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌdɛstəˈneɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the place someone or something is going or being sent
a place people choose to visit or stay
an intended goal or final outcome
More meaningsFewer meanings
the address, folder, or endpoint where data is sent
Beyond the definition
A destination isn't just where you're going; it's the end of your journey, the place that gives the trip its purpose. Think of a sailor charting a course – their destination is the faraway island marked on the map. But a destination can also be an idea, not a place. "Success" might be someone's ultimate destination, taking years of hard work and dedication to reach. We often talk about popular tourist destinations like Paris or Rome, but your kitchen table can be a destination for a comforting cup of tea after a long day.
The word comes from the Latin destinare, meaning "to determine" or "to appoint." So a destination is essentially a place that has been determined or appointed as the endpoint of a journey – whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical.
A destination most commonly refers to the place someone is going to, or the final stop on a journey. For example: "Their ultimate destination was Hawaii," or "The GPS guided us to our destination." It's about reaching an endpoint, completing a trip, and arriving at a specific location.
However, "destination" isn't limited to physical places. It can also represent a goal, ambition, or desired outcome. You might say, "Her destination in life is to become a doctor," meaning that becoming a doctor is her ultimate aim. This usage emphasizes the purpose behind the journey, not just the location.
The concept of "destination" often carries a sense of anticipation and excitement. Travel brochures are filled with images of idyllic destinations designed to inspire wanderlust. Marketing campaigns frequently use "dream destination" as a hook to entice customers.
Interestingly, in computer science, a destination refers to where data is being sent on a network. This highlights the core meaning: a point towards which something is directed.
So whether you're planning a vacation, pursuing a career goal, or sending information across the internet, "destination" signifies an endpoint – a place, state, or outcome that represents the culmination of effort and movement. It's where the journey leads, and often, what makes the journey worthwhile.
Examples
- 1
Travel arrival
We finally reached our destination just after midnight.
- 2
Flight route
Dubai was our final destination, but we had to change planes in Istanbul first.
- 3
Airport information
The airport screen listed flights to dozens of destinations.
- 4
Tourism
Kyoto has become a popular destination for food lovers.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Mailing
Please write the destination address clearly on the box.
- 6
Online audience
The company wants its website to become a destination for people interested in sustainable fashion.
- Patterna destination for + audience/interest
a place or site people go to for a particular reason
- 7
Wedding
They had a destination wedding in Mexico with only close family and friends.
- Phrasedestination wedding
a wedding held away from where most guests live
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- destinationnoun
Forms
- destinationspluralnoun