delegation

noun

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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said more Russian delegations would visit North Korea later in the year, TASS reported. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025 Two rounds of direct peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations have yielded no progress on stopping the fighting. arkansasonline.com, 11 July 2025 Often tipped off on where delegations are staying, journalists frequently stake out hotels, hoping for unguarded comments as ministers make their way to the conference. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 11 July 2025 Chris Jackson/Getty Images Analysis In Kate's case, the decision to wear both Givenchy and Dior on the same day on the one hand reflects a desire to signal to the French delegation a love of the country's fashion and culture. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for delegation

Word History

Etymology

see delegate entry 1

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of delegation was in 1555

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Cite this Entry

“Delegation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegation. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

delegation

noun
del·​e·​ga·​tion ˌdel-i-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce delegation (audio)
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 How to pronounce delegation (audio)
1
: the act of delegating
2
: a group of persons chosen to represent others

More from Merriam-Webster on delegation

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