Dictionary

agency

noun agen·cy \ˈā-jən(t)-sē\

: a business that provides a particular service

: a government department that is responsible for a particular activity, area, etc.

plural agen·cies

Full Definition of AGENCY

1
a :  the office or function of an agent
b :  the relationship between a principal and that person's agent
2
:  the capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power :  operation
3
:  a person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved :  instrumentality <communicated through the agency of the ambassador>
4
:  an establishment engaged in doing business for another <an advertising agency>
5
:  an administrative division (as of a government) <the agency for consumer protection>
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First Known Use of AGENCY

1640
AGENCIES Defined for Kids

agency

noun agen·cy \ˈā-jən-sē\
plural agen·cies

Definition of AGENCY for Kids

1
:  a person or thing through which power is used or something is achieved <Through the agency of his former school, he reunited with some old friends.>
2
:  a business that provides a particular service <an advertising agency>
3
:  a part of a government that is responsible for providing a particular service or performing a specific function <law enforcement agencies>
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