English · Word Candidate

delegate

/ˈdɛlɪɡət/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: delegates · delegating · delegated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A person authorized to act as representative for another; a deputy.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A representative at a conference, etc.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To commit tasks and responsibilities to others, especially subordinates.

Verb

Examples

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key was perceived to delegate effectively. Wayne Mapp, a minister under Key observed he had 'a different style than the traditional style of New Zealand political management. He delegates in the manner of a chief executive, and lets ministers get on with their jobs' (

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To commit (a task or responsibility) to someone, especially a subordinate.

Verb

Examples

The war on Covid-19 was delegated to the health secretary, Matt Hancock, a paralysed NHS and scientists publicly feuding over dud data.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “delegate” mean?

A person authorized to act as representative for another; a deputy.

Is “delegate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.