What does "federation" mean?

1. (a group of states) a country formed by several states that have joined together under one central government. 2. (an organisation) a large organisation made up of smaller groups that work together for a common goal. 3. (computing networks) a group of different computer networks or providers that work together so users can communicate across them. 4. (Australian architecture) a style of building that was popular in Australia around the year 1901.

How do you use "federation"?

Often used as a countable noun to describe a specific country. Uncountable when referring to the concept of connecting systems. Always capitalised in this sense.

federation

n. · adj.

US //ˌfɛdɝˈeɪʃən// UK //fˌɛdəɹˈeɪʃən// fed·er·a·tion

1 a group of states (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a country formed by several states that have joined together under one central government.

a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government.

Example

The country is a federation of several different states, each with its own local laws.

Example

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.
2 an organisation (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a large organisation made up of smaller groups that work together for a common goal.

an association or society formed by the merging of several separate groups or bodies.

Example

The national football federation decided to change the rules for the upcoming season.

Example

The international federation of journalists issued a formal statement condemning the new censorship laws.

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3 computing networks (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

a group of different computer networks or providers that work together so users can communicate across them.

a group of computing or telecommunications providers that agree on standards to allow interoperability across different systems.

Example

The new software allows for federation between different social media platforms.

Example

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.

Teacher's tip

This is a common term in modern cloud computing and social media (the 'fediverse').
- interoperability
- integration
4 Australian architecture (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Dialect American English

a style of building that was popular in Australia around the year 1901.

relating to an architectural style in Australia prevalent from around 1890 to 1915, coinciding with the country's political federation.

Example

They live in a beautiful Federation house with high ceilings and red brick walls.

Example

The suburb is famous for its well-preserved Federation bungalows, which feature ornate timberwork and leadlight windows.

Usage

Always capitalised in this sense.

Teacher's tip

This is highly specific to Australian history and real estate; learners outside Australia rarely encounter it.
- edwardian

Origin

Borrowed from French fédération, from Late Latin foederatio, from Latin foederare; equivalent to federate + -ion.