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.
Hamas, meanwhile, sent a delegation to Cairo to discuss the cease-fire negotiations with Egyptian officials. Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 Strong delegation prevents bottlenecks, boosts efficiency and helps the team grow. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 Ukrainian and American delegations announced an agreement on a 30-day ceasefire proposal last night after nine hours of talks in Saudi Arabia. Brittney Melton, NPR, 12 Mar. 2025 The Ukrainian delegation proposed a partial ceasefire covering the air and sea, which would put a halt to the exchange of missile and drones strikes between Kyiv and Moscow. John Feng, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Delegation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegation. Accessed 19 Mar. 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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