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
The genteel dean of the Maryland delegation, who helped send billions of federal dollars to his state as an appropriator, was often a key negotiating partner for Republican leaders who maintained better relations with him than the hard-charging Pelosi.
—
Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2026
Officials took Crane and his delegation around the country, touring manufacturing plants and, along the way, some of the countless baseball stadiums.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Connecticut’s delegation has sought funding for infrastructure and environmental investments, social services for families and children, affordable housing and upgrades for police departments and emergency units.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 6 Jan. 2026
Indeed, the removal of Maduro could be interpreted as a slap in the face for Beijing, given a high-ranking Chinese delegation was hosted in his Caracas palace just hours earlier.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for delegation
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Cite this Entry
“Delegation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delegation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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
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