delegation

[ del-i-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a group or body of delegates:

   Our club sent a delegation to the rally.

2. the body of delegates chosen to represent a political unit, as a state, in an assembly:

   the New Jersey delegation in Congress.

   Synonyms: commission

3. the act of delegating.
4. the state of being delegated.

delegation

/ ˌdɛlɪˈɡeɪʃən /

noun

1. a person or group chosen to represent another or others
2. the act of delegating or state of being delegated
3. politics all the members of Congress from one state

Other Words From

• nondel·e·gation noun
• predel·e·gation noun
• redel·e·gation noun
• subdel·e·gation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of delegation¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin dēlēgātiōn-, stem of dēlēgātiō “assignment, appointment,” equivalent to dēlēgāt(us) “assigned, appointed” ( delegate ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

It was seen by a small delegation of star-struck prelates and dignitaries who later described the film as “moving.”

From The Daily Beast

But officials gave the delegation no specific commitments and made no concrete promises of increased U.S. assistance.

From The Daily Beast

The legal question is whether this constitutes an unconstitutional delegation of legislative power to a private entity.

From The Daily Beast

There could only be one Wisconsin delegation, so the Republican National Committee would have to choose between the two factions.

From The Daily Beast

A few days later, a Half-Breed delegation arrived in Washington, begging for his assistance.

From The Daily Beast

Sir, a consumer's delegation wishes to speak with you about the new Birthday Quotas.

From Project Gutenberg

"Hand these around that delegation, Soldier," he said, shoving a stack of Schedules 1219B across his desk toward the girl.

From Project Gutenberg

Urged by a delegation of music-loving consumers, the tubist raised his ravaged horn.

From Project Gutenberg

When I got home from the village a couple of evenings ago a bareheaded delegation met me at the road gate with bad news.

From Project Gutenberg

Shortly after the house was opened a delegation of boys appeared asking for the use of the large room for a boys' club.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• commission
• contingent
• embassy
• gathering
• organization