Word
federation
Phoneticsfed·er·a·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌfɛdɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/fˌɛdəɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01a group of states
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a country formed by several states that have joined together under one central government.
n. a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government.
“The country is a federation of several different states, each with its own local laws.”
“The constitutional debate focused on whether the federation should grant more autonomy to the individual states or strengthen the central authority.”
Usage
Often used as a countable noun to describe a specific country.
Synonyms
02an organisation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large organisation made up of smaller groups that work together for a common goal.
n. an association or society formed by the merging of several separate groups or bodies.
“The national football federation decided to change the rules for the upcoming season.”
“The international federation of journalists issued a formal statement condemning the new censorship laws.”
Synonyms
03computing networks
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a group of different computer networks or providers that work together so users can communicate across them.
n. a group of computing or telecommunications providers that agree on standards to allow interoperability across different systems.
“The new software allows for federation between different social media platforms.”
“Identity federation enables users to access multiple applications across different domains using a single set of credentials.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the concept of connecting systems.
Teaching tip
This is a common term in modern cloud computing and social media (the 'fediverse').
Synonyms
04Australian architecture
C2 · Proficiency Dialect · American English
adj. a style of building that was popular in Australia around the year 1901.
adj. relating to an architectural style in Australia prevalent from around 1890 to 1915, coinciding with the country's political federation.
“They live in a beautiful Federation house with high ceilings and red brick walls.”
“The suburb is famous for its well-preserved Federation bungalows, which feature ornate timberwork and leadlight windows.”
Usage
Always capitalised in this sense.
Teaching tip
This is highly specific to Australian history and real estate; learners outside Australia rarely encounter it.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The ambitions of each member federation, he added, are tied to its ability to raise revenues.” “The 2027 Spanish Super Cup will be held in Turkey at Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium, the Spanish Football Federation said Thursday.” Etymology
Borrowed from French fédération, from Late Latin foederatio, from Latin foederare; equivalent to federate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/federation