agency

American  

[ey-juhn-see] / ˈeɪ dʒən si /

noun

plural

agencies

1. an organization, company, or bureau that provides a particular service.

   We are a nonprofit agency for people experiencing food insecurity.

2. a company having a franchise to represent another.

   Perhaps we should be looking for a new advertising agency.

3. a governmental bureau or administrative division, or an office that represents it.

   My internship at the FDA led to job opportunities with other federal agencies.

4. the place of business of an agent.

   If you stop by the agency tomorrow, we can go over the details of the land sale.

5. Indian agency.

6. the duty or function of an agent.

7. the relationship between a principal and an agent.

   Investment firms must incentivize proper agency so that fund managers prioritize the investor’s interests over their own.

8. the state of being in action or of exerting power; operation.

   the agency of divine Providence.

9. the capacity to act or exert power.

   We may have our free agency, but we are responsible for our choices.

10. a means of exerting power or influence; instrumentality.

    nominated by the agency of friends.

    Synonyms:

    intercession

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agency British  

/ ˈeɪdʒənsɪ /

noun

1. a business or other organization providing a specific service

   an employment agency

2. the place where an agent conducts business

3. the business, duties, or functions of an agent

4. action, power, or operation

   the agency of fate

5. intercession or mediation

6. one of the administrative organizations of a government

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Other Word Forms

• subagency noun
• underagency noun

Etymology

Origin of agency

First recorded in 1650–60; from Medieval Latin agentia “ability,” from Latin ag(ere) “to do, drive” + -entia -ency

Example Sentences

She eventually founded her own agency, ITB Worldwide, which she sold in 2018.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The Maritime and Coast Guard agency also issued advice, including to stay well back from cliff edges and avoid walking near the base of cliffs.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The space agency has released images from Orion that included a full portrait of Earth, featuring its deep blue oceans and billowing clouds.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

Postal Service are part of a 10-year plan that kicked off several years ago aimed at improving services and reducing costs at the independent federal agency.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Actually, I just left him in a box outside the agency door.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• bureau
• company
• department
• firm
• office