federation
//ˌfɛdəˈreɪʃən//
Noun
federationSingular
federationsPlural
1
A group of states or organizations united under a central government or authority while retaining limited self-government
The United States is a federation of fifty states.
2
The act of forming or joining such a union
The federation of the states took several years to complete.
3
An organization or league formed by uniting separate groups or clubs with common interests
The football federation announced new rules for the upcoming season.