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.
The Minnesota Democrat has steadily been racking up endorsements from a handful of state party delegations and state party leaders across the country. Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025 The Why Is Karen Bass Under Scrutiny—including From Fire Chief Crowley? Bass has faced criticism for being in Ghana with a delegation sent by President Joe Biden to attend the country’s presidential inauguration when the fires broke out. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 When the fires broke out, Ms. Bass was visiting Ghana as part of a delegation for the inauguration of the country’s new president, a fact that has angered some of her constituents. Santul Nerkar, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025 Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has taken considerable flack for being out of the country this week as part of a delegation to celebrate the inauguration of Ghana President John Mahama. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near delegation

Cite this Entry

“Delegation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegation. Accessed 21 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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