Search Dictionary
Definition of legation

legation

/lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
le · ga · tion
Plural:legations
JUMP TO:

legation Lexical Profile

legation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A diplomatic minister and their staff sent by a government to represent it in a foreign country, ranking below an embassy.

Example

"Before the two nations upgraded their diplomatic ties in 1948, the foreign mission operated only as a small legation."

2

The official residence and office building of a diplomatic minister in a foreign country.

Example

"The historic stone building in the capital's diplomatic quarter formerly served as the American legation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for legation

Word Nuance & Usage

In diplomatic hierarchy, a legation is a mission headed by a minister and ranks lower than an embassy, which is headed by an ambassador; since the mid-20th century, almost all former legations have been upgraded to embassies.

• Rhymes for legation

• Nearby Words

legalization
legalize
legally
legation
legato
legend
legendarily

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Middle French légation and directly from Latin legatio ('the office of an ambassador or envoy'), from legare ('to send as a deputy or commission').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Legation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/legation
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.