delegation

noun

del·​e·​ga·​tion ˌde-li-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act of empowering to act for another

the delegation of responsibilities

2

: a group of persons chosen to represent others

the state's congressional delegation

Did you know?

What Is a delegation?

The task of a delegation—each member of which can be called a delegate—is to represent a larger group, often at a conference. Thus, a delegation of nondoctors to a medical convention may want to make sure the rights and needs of patients aren't ignored, just as a delegation of laypeople may attend a religious conference to express the concerns of other laypeople.

Synonyms of delegation

• contingent

Examples of delegation in a Sentence

He's been chosen to lead the delegation to the conference.

a delegation from the local scout troop is being sent to the national jamboree

Recent Examples on the Web

Lauderhill is leading the delegation of Broward cities requesting $250,000 in funding and is being joined by Deerfield Beach, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale, Miramar and Fort Lauderdale, among others. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

The map seeks to transform the state’s already pro-Republican 20-8 delegation into a 20-4 edge. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026

Still, sporadic cross-border fighting had continued even while delegations from the two sides were attending the talks in Urumqi. —ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026

Industry development specialist Sheree Ramage shepherded the delegation to Udine, bringing filmmakers Ana Tiwary and Katrina Irawati Graham – both of whom work under the banner of indiVisual films – international – into the fold. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French delegacion "transmission, act of delegating," borrowed from Late Latin dēlēgātiōn-, dēlēgātiō "mandate, authority," going back to Latin, "assignment to a third party of the interest in or liability for a debt," from dēlēgāre "to assign (someone to a task), appoint, put in charge (of), entrust, transfer ownership (to)" + -tiōn-, tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at delegate entry 2

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing delegation

• congressional delegation

Rhymes for delegation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

delegation

noun

del·​e·​ga·​tion ˌdel-i-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act of delegating power or authority to another

2

: one or more persons chosen to represent others

Legal Definition

delegation

noun

del·​e·​ga·​tion ˌde-li-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act of delegating

2

: a group of persons chosen to represent others