Confederation (noun)

1. A union or alliance of nations or states formed for a specific purpose or to achieve a common goal.
2. A political system or entity formed by the union of smaller independent states.
3. A group of individuals, organizations, or states who are united for a common cause.

Origin:

The word 'confederation' is derived from the latin word 'con' meaning 'together' and 'federare' meaning 'to form a league or alliance'.

Examples:

1. The European Confederation is a union of European countries with a common currency and shared economic policies.
2. The Confederation of Independent States was formed after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
3. The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football is the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
4. The business confederation was formed to represent the interests of the country's largest companies.
5. The confederation of trade unions was formed to give workers a collective voice and to negotiate better wages and working conditions.