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

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 The New Jersey delegation, for instance, requested 250 rooms with event space and other requirements. Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 None of the co-sponsors in the House resolution is from Arizona's delegation. Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 But after Henry and his delegation departed Newark, N.J., on Tuesday, Santo Domingo unexpectedly reversed course, refusing clearance to allow his plane to land. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 The Israeli delegation has not attended the sessions in Cairo because of Hamas’s new demands. Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 The militant group wants a permanent end to fighting before agreeing to release hostages, a Hamas source told CNN as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday. Helen Regan, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 During Friday’s county House delegation meeting, Del. Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21) expressed exasperation that her multiple requests for information about what the school system would need to cut were met with no response. Nicole Asbury, Washington Post, 2 Mar. 2024 The Irish delegation, which arrived Monday and will depart Friday, has a slate of meetings on the economy, education and arts and culture planned — along with some receptions. Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Israel will not send a high-level delegation to Egypt until Hamas responds to questions about the deal’s framework, an Israeli official with knowledge of the talks told The Washington Post. Rachel pannett, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'delegation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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