1 : the way something has been made : the way the parts of something (such as a building, machine, book, etc.) are formed and arranged for a particular use, effect, etc. [noncount] ▪ There are problems with the design of the airplane's landing gear. ▪ I like the design of the textbook. ▪ I love the sculpture's design. [count] ▪ The machine had a flawed design. 2 [noncount] : the process of planning how something will look, happen, be made, etc. : the process of designing something
▪ She is studying furniture/Web design. [=how to design furniture/Web sites] ▪ the design and development of new products ▪ The new model is still in the design stage. [=is still being designed] ▪ Correcting mistakes is part of the design process. ▪ a number of design concepts/ideas — see also interior design 3 [count] : a drawing of something that is being planned or created — often + for ▪ We reviewed the preliminary design for the new stadium. ▪ Can I see the designs [=plans] for both bridges? 4 [count] : a decorative pattern that covers something : a repeating picture, shape, etc., on something
▪ The wallpaper in the bedroom has a floral design. ▪ a skirt with a paisley design ▪ fabric sold in a variety of colors and designs 5 : something that you plan to do : intention [count] ▪ My design [=(more commonly) purpose] in writing to you is to ask for your support. [noncount] ▪ The motor is loud by design. [=because it was intended to be loud] ▪ The meeting happened by accident, not by design. [=on purpose]