Design

dɪˈzaɪn

nounBeginnerVery CommonArts

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A detailed plan or drawing that serves as a blueprint for the construction or creation of something.

dɪˈzaɪn

nounneutralBeginner
Arts

A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function of something before it is made.

The engineer reviewed the design before the bridge was built.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're drawing a picture of your dream treehouse before you actually build it. The picture is the design!

👶 For kids: A plan or drawing that shows how something will look before you make it.

More Examples

2

The design of the new phone is sleek and modern.

3

She loved the design of the dress.

How It's Used

Architecture

"The architect presented the final design for the new building."

Fashion

"The latest fashion show featured innovative designs."

2

To create the plans for how something will be made or done.

dɪˈzaɪn

verbneutralBeginner
Arts

To plan and make decisions about something.

The architects designed the building.

💡 Simply: It’s like planning all the steps to bake a cake, deciding on the flavor, the frosting, and all the decorations. You design the whole thing!

👶 For kids: To think about and plan how to make something.

More Examples

2

She designed the website's user interface.

3

He's designing a new marketing campaign.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The team designed the new software application."

Web Development

"The company designed a new website to attract more customers."

Tip:Visualize planning every aspect of a project from start to finish.
3

The creative process or result of planning the form and function of objects, buildings, or systems.

dɪˈzaɪn

nounneutralIntermediate
Arts

The art or process of planning and making something.

The company is known for its innovative design.

💡 Simply: It's the 'how' something looks and works. Imagine how all the stuff in your room is laid out—that's design in action!

👶 For kids: The way something is made to look or work.

More Examples

2

The museum showcases various aspects of design.

3

The success of the product depended on good design.

How It's Used

Graphic Design

"She has a keen eye for design and aesthetics."

Interior Design

"The new office space followed a modern design philosophy."

Tip:Think of the art and science of creating something beautiful and practical.

Idioms & expressions

by design

Intentionally; deliberately.

"The error was not accidental; it was by design."

design flaw

A weakness or imperfection in the plan or structure of something.

"The car's safety features revealed a major design flaw during the crash test."

From Italian disegno, meaning 'drawing' or 'plan,' ultimately from Latin designare, 'to mark out'.

The word 'design' began appearing in English texts in the 16th century, initially to denote an artistic plan or intention.

Memory tip

Think of a blueprint or a detailed sketch.

desgindesighndeisgn

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written