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

• contingent
• delegacy

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

The way this would work is that each state—regardless of the size of the state's delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives—gets one vote. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

That’s easier said than done: The act of delegation can be difficult for anyone used to working long hours or covering a wide range of responsibilities, from CEOs down to first-time managers. —Natalie Wu,tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 4 Nov. 2024

An official State Department list of the U.S. delegation for this year’s conference, released Thursday, names senior White House climate adviser John Podesta as the leader of the delegation. —Zack Budryk, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024

From August 28th to September 8th, talented athletes from 168 delegations had the opportunity to perform in front of a record audience. —Mark Lasota, Ph.d., Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see delegate entry 1

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing delegation

• congressional delegation

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