1. a union of states, groups, or organizations that have joined together for a common purpose while maintaining some independence
2. the act of confederating or the state of being confederated

Examples

• The Articles of Confederation governed the United States before the Constitution.
• Several small nations formed a confederation for mutual defense.
• The confederation allowed each member state to retain its own laws.
• Trade agreements strengthened the economic confederation.
• The confederation dissolved when member countries disagreed on policy.
• Switzerland is officially known as the Swiss Confederation.
• The confederation of labor unions negotiated better working conditions.