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.
Origin
1715-25; < Late Latinfoederātiōn- (stem of foederātiō) a leaguing. See federate, -ion
Related forms
interfederation, noun
profederation, adjective
refederation, noun
Examples from the web for federation
The federation recommends that universities avoid the suite entirely until all barrier issues are resolved.
What fashion teaches us about the federation of ideas.
His ultimate political ideal included nothing short of the welfare and the commercial federation of the world.
The federation's ambition is to make a real difference for consumers.
He also joined with neighboring emirates to form a loose federation.
Libraries within those regions have formed a federation.
Fundamentally, a federation was sought to replace the confederation.
British Dictionary definitions for federation
federation
/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
Federation
/ˌfɛdəˈreɪʃən/
noun (Austral)
1.
the Federation, 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
Word Origin and History for federation
n.
1721, "union by agreement," from French fédération, from Late Latin foederationem (nominative foederatio), noun of action from Latin foederare "league together," from foedus "covenant, league" (genitive foederis); see federal.