design

Universal Words noun, verb noun arrangement 1 [U,C] the general arrangement of the different parts of sth that is made, such as a building, book, machine etc: The basic design of the car is very similar to that of earlier models. * special new design features * The machine's unique design prevents it from overheating. * The magazine will appear in a new design from next month. drawing / plan / model 2 [U] the art or process of deciding how sth will look, work, etc. by drawing plans, making models, etc: a course in art and design * a design studio * computer-aided design * the design and development of new products seealsoINTERIORDESIGN 3 [C] (for sth) a drawing or plan from which sth may be made: designs for aircraft * new and original designs pattern 4 [C] an arrangement of lines and shapes as a decoration: floral / abstract / geometric designs * The tiles come in a huge range of colours and designs. intention 5 [U,C] a plan or an intention: It happened-whether by accident or design-that the two of them were left alone after all the others had gone. * It is all part of his grand design for government. IDIOMS have designs on sb (formal or humorous) to want to start a sexual relationship with sb: He was quite aware of her marital designs on him. have designs on sth to be planning to get sth for yourself, often in a way that other people do not approve of: Rumours spread that the Duke had designs on the crown (= wanted to make himself king). verb draw plans 1 ~ sth (for sb/sth) to decide how sth will look, work, etc., especially by drawing plans or making models: [VN] to design a car / a dress / an office * a badly designed kitchen * He designed and built his own house. * They asked me to design a poster for the campaign. [also VNN] plan sth 2 [VN] to think of and plan a system, a way of doing sth, etc: We need to design a new syllabus for the third year. for special purpose 3 [usuallypassive] ~ sth (for sth)