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

No Iranian delegation has yet departed for Islamabad, Reuters reported Tuesday, citing Iranian state TV, contradicting international media reports that a team of representatives was traveling. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026

Vice President Vance is set to lead the delegation, which will also include special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2026

The White House announced Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation for negotiations to be held in Islamabad; Iranian officials — reportedly wracked in a divisive power struggle between the government and military — have yet to provide a clear update on who will go. —Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Ghalibaf was joined in Islamabad by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and a large delegation of Iranian officials in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to signal unity. —Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 21 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