AGENCY - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Part of speech: Noun

an administrative unit of government

Example: the Central Intelligence Agency; the Census Bureau; Office of Management and Budget; Tennessee Valley Authority

Categories: Administrative unit, Administrative body

Part of speech: Noun

a business that serves other businesses

Categories: Business, Concern, Business concern, Business organization, Business organisation

Part of speech: Noun

the state of being in action or exerting power

Example: the agency of providence; she has free agency

Categories: Action, Activity, Activeness

The word "agency" comes from Latin agēns, which was borrowed from Medieval Latin agentia. Many other languages have similar words:

agent – A related word in the same word family.

Legal and medical professions still use Latin phrases because of its precision and historical authority.