federation

American  

[fed-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌfɛd əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of federating or uniting in a league.

2. the formation of a political unity, with a central government, by a number of separate states, each of which retains control of its own internal affairs.

3. a league or confederacy.

4. a federated body formed by a number of nations, states, societies, unions, etc., each retaining control of its own internal affairs.

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federation ¹ British  

/ ˌfɛdəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of federating

2. the union of several provinces, states, etc, to form a federal union

3. a political unit formed in such a way

4. any league, alliance, or confederacy

5. a union of several parties, groups, etc

6. any association or union for common action

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Federation ² British  

/ ˌfɛdəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901

2. a style of domestic architecture of that period, characterized by red brick, terracotta roof tiles, sinuous curves, and heavy window frames

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Other Word Forms

• interfederation noun
• profederation adjective
• refederation noun

Etymology

Origin of federation

1715–25; < Late Latin foederātiōn- (stem of foederātiō ) a leaguing. See federate, -ion

Example Sentences

Five workers at a western Iranian sugar factory who had been striking for better pay were released late Tuesday, according to the Free Workers’ Union of Iran, the country’s main federation of independent trade unions.

From The Wall Street Journal

It includes around 20 major Nordic brands, such as Ikea, Strawberry, a hospitality chain, and HSB, Sweden's biggest federation of cooperative housing, who meet to share their experiences and strategies for tackling loneliness.

From BBC

The federation said it was working with law enforcement to ensure safety at events.

From Los Angeles Times

“What people are looking for and what they find job satisfaction in has changed,” said Pete Muller, the federation’s director of communications.

From The Wall Street Journal

The prime minister tweaked some proposals after calling the federation in for talks late last month, but it was clearly not enough.

From BBC

Related Words

• association
• league
• union