federation

noun

fed·​er·​a·​tion ˌfe-də-ˈrā-shən 

1

: an encompassing political or societal entity formed by uniting smaller or more localized entities: such as

a

: a federal government

b

: a union of organizations

2

: the act of creating or becoming a federation

especially : the forming of a federal union

Synonyms of federation

• union
• confederacy
• coalition
• alliance
• league
• confederation

Examples of federation in a Sentence

a federation of labor unions

a federation of women's clubs

the federation of the states

Recent Examples on the Web

But the Portuguese soccer federation fined him and suspended him from the team for 30 days. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

Jordi Mora, president of Pimem, a federation representing small and medium-sized businesses in Mallorca, said the island needs to take stronger steps to control tourism, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Thus far, 83 sporting goods companies and federation have signed an open letter coordinated by the WFSGI. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026

Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Pique, also offered its condolences, along with other clubs, the Spanish soccer federation and La Liga. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for federation

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

Kids Definition

federation

noun

fed·​er·​a·​tion ˌfed-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: a political body formed by uniting smaller bodies

especially : a federal government

2

: the act of creating or becoming a federation