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

• contingent
• delegacy

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

Since then, there have been many AfD delegations to Russia. —Erika Solomon, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024

And the recent visits to Washington from the leaders of Japan and the Philippines have revived Biden’s worries about Chinese aggression in the region, prompting the State Department to send a delegation to Beijing over the weekend to head off anxiety about a potential escalation regarding Taiwan. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see delegate entry 1

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing delegation

• congressional delegation

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