agency meaning and definition

AGENCY noun

Definition of agency (noun)

1. an administrative unit of government
   • "the Central Intelligence Agency"; "the Census Bureau"; "Office of Management and Budget"; "Tennessee Valley Authority"
   • synonyms: authority, bureau, federal agency, government agency, office
2. a business that serves other businesses
3. the state of being in action or exerting power
   • "the agency of providence"; "she has free agency"
4. the state of serving as an official and authorized delegate or agent
   • synonyms: delegacy, representation
5. how a result is obtained or an end is achieved
   • "a means of control"; "an example is the best agency of instruction"; "the true way to success"
   • synonyms: means, way