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.
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
Moore is the only member of Alabama’s delegation to belong to the House Freedom Caucus.
—
Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 19 May 2026
The transportation problems were not isolated to one delegation.
—Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Last week, a meeting was held in Muscat between expert-level delegations from Iran and Oman, and contacts between the two countries on this matter are ongoing.
—Alex Sundby, CBS News, 18 May 2026
The incident triggered a fire alarm, obliging the entire French delegation — some of whom were still in their pyjamas — to evacuate the building.
—Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for delegation
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Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 19 May 2026
The transportation problems were not isolated to one delegation.
—Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
Last week, a meeting was held in Muscat between expert-level delegations from Iran and Oman, and contacts between the two countries on this matter are ongoing.
—Alex Sundby, CBS News, 18 May 2026
The incident triggered a fire alarm, obliging the entire French delegation — some of whom were still in their pyjamas — to evacuate the building.
—Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for delegation
Cite this Entry
“Delegation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegation. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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