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

As a number of long-serving members have retired in recent years, Moore has become the de facto dean of Wisconsin’s House delegation. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2024

Only the states with clear delegation majorities (either Democratic or Republican) cast votes for a candidate. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Arizona’s congressional delegation is now 6-3 Republican, so flipping both seats could flip the delegation to Democrats. —Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

If a candidate for president is unable to secure votes from 26 delegations before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20, and the Senate has already selected a vice president, that person would become acting president until the House vote is settled. —Sara Dorn, Forbes, 4 Nov. 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