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delegation

noun
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del·​e·​ga·​tion | \ ˌde-li-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce delegation (audio) \

Definition of delegation

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
Synonyms What Is a delegation? More Example Sentences Learn More about delegation

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Synonyms for delegation

Synonyms

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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.

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 The rest of Kentucky's congressional delegation was inactive on the stock market leading up to the coronavirus plunge in late February. — Phillip M. Bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky congressman James Comer traded stocks ahead of coronavirus market plunge," 21 Mar. 2020 DeSaulnier is an ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat who is a de facto leader of the Bay Area delegation in Congress. — David Mark, Washington Examiner, "California congressman in 'critical condition' from pneumonia after running accident," 21 Mar. 2020 The agency spent $41,476 to send a delegation of state officials, including Gov. Mike DeWine, to Japan in September, so DeWine could meet with companies there with Ohio connections. — Cliff Pinckard, cleveland, "Cuyahoga County alters view on for-profit video visitation for jail inmates: The Wake Up for Monday, March 9, 2020," 9 Mar. 2020 The talk behind the scenes is now of nonbelligerency agreements, open economic and business ties, overflights and visits of trade delegations between the Gulf states and Israel. — Jonathan Spyer, WSJ, "Israel’s New Diplomatic Moment," 3 Mar. 2020 Texas hospitality and Buc-ee’s: Pasadena delights Japanese delegation Both were arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail. — Houston Chronicle, "Suspected Buc-ee's bandits busted by Houston-area deputies during traffic stop," 27 Feb. 2020 But now, a delegation of international experts dispatched to China to assess the effectiveness of its aggressive public health response has reached a different conclusion. — Megan Molteni, Wired, "Could the US Contain a Coronavirus Outbreak?," 25 Feb. 2020 It was recently announced that USA Cycling has partnered with Dempsey to spotlight this year's delegation to the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. — Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, "'Grey's Anatomy' Fans Are Going Wild Over Patrick Dempsey's Latest Career Move," 14 Feb. 2020 The Taliban delegation in Doha has always insisted there is no cease-fire without a deal, and no deal without a full withdrawal. — Kimberly Dozier, Time, "Will Trump Close the Deal to End Afghanistan's Long War?," 5 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'delegation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of delegation

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for delegation

see delegate entry 1

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Learn More about delegation

Time Traveler for delegation

Time Traveler

The first known use of delegation was in 1612

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Statistics for delegation

Last Updated

29 Mar 2020

Cite this Entry

“Delegation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegation. Accessed 30 Mar. 2020.

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More Definitions for delegation

delegation

noun
How to pronounce delegation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of delegation

: a group of people who are chosen to vote or act for someone else
formal : the act of giving control, authority, a job, a duty, etc., to another person

See the full definition for delegation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

delegation

noun
del·​e·​ga·​tion | \ ˌde-lə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce delegation (audio) \

Kids Definition of delegation

1 : the act of giving someone authority or responsibility for
2 : one or more persons chosen to represent others

delegation

noun
del·​e·​ga·​tion | \ ˌde-li-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce delegation (audio) \

Legal Definition of delegation

1 : the act of delegating
2 : a group of persons chosen to represent others

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More from Merriam-Webster on delegation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for delegation

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with delegation

Spanish Central: Translation of delegation

Nglish: Translation of delegation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of delegation for Arabic Speakers

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