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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Over the summer, 32 LAPD reserve officers and a supervisor traveled to Paris as part of the Olympic delegation to work at event sites across the country, under the supervision of the French national police and the Gendarmerie. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 Hamas official Osama Hamdan told al-Mayadeen TV network that the delegation visited Cairo to hear the Egyptian mediators' ideas, but stressed there is no change in the group's position regarding the deal. Barak Ravid, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 Keshet International will be fielding its biggest delegation since 2019 at the market, which runs in Cannes from Oct. 21 to 24. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024 There have been some firsts this Congress, including the first time three Black women are part of the Ohio delegation. Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024 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 5 Nov. 2024.

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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