noun
federation
feh-duh-RAY-shuhn
noun
1
A group of states, organizations, or groups joined together under one central governing body while keeping some independence.
"The federation of trade unions coordinated the nationwide strike."
"Australia became a federation of its colonies in 1901."
How to Use Federation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA union of separate groups or states that combine under one overall authority.
Common pairings
a federation of states
sports federation
trade federation
Word Forms
federations plural
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The _____ of trade unions coordinated the nationwide strike.
Etymology
From French fédération, ultimately from Latin foederare, "to join by treaty," related to federal.