English · Word Candidate

assign

/əˈsaɪn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: assigns · assigning

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To designate or set apart (something) for some purpose.

Verb

Examples

to assign a day for trial

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To appoint or select (someone) for some office.

Verb

Examples

to assign counsel for a prisoner

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An assignee.

Noun

Examples

Scrooge knew he was dead ? Of course he did. How could it be otherwise ? Scrooge and he were partners for I don’t know how many years. Scrooge was his sole executor, his sole administrator, his sole assign, his sole residuary legatee, his sole friend and his sole mourner.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “assign” mean?

To designate or set apart (something) for some purpose.

Is “assign” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.