federation

noun

fed·​er·​a·​tion ˌfe-də-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce federation (audio)
Synonyms of federationnext
1
: an encompassing political or societal entity formed by uniting smaller or more localized entities: such as
a
: a federal government
b
: a union of organizations
2
: the act of creating or becoming a federation
especially : the forming of a federal union

Synonyms of federation

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Examples of federation in a Sentence

a federation of labor unions a federation of women's clubs the federation of the states
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Marei von Saher, heir to the Dutch dealer Jacques Goudstikker, who owned the piece before the war, has sued unsuccessfully for the paintings before, and has now transferred her rights to the federation. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 While club competitions revenue mostly goes back to the teams as prize money, UEFA needs lucrative national-team events to fund its own running costs, support 55 member federations and keep a reserves fund around 500 million euros ($560 million). — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 Rather, it was based on joint research by eight major trade union federations examining the actual living expenses of 422 workers from 28 factories in Phnom Penh, Kandal and Kampong Speu provinces. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 The stones will be added to memorial rock garden outside the federation. — Jim Masters, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for federation

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of federation was in 1652

Rhymes for federation

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Browse Nearby Words

Federated Malay States
federation
federative
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Cite this Entry

“Federation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federation. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

federation

noun
fed·​er·​a·​tion ˌfed-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce federation (audio)
1
: a political body formed by uniting smaller bodies
especially : a federal government
2
: the act of creating or becoming a federation

More from Merriam-Webster on federation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about federation

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