Definition
Delegated staking is a staking process in which token holders assign their staking power or voting weight to another participant, typically a validator or staking service, without transferring ownership of their tokens. It is used within Proof of Stake and similar consensus systems to aggregate stake, support network security, and participate in protocol-level decision-making through an intermediary.
In Simple Terms
Delegated staking is when a token holder lets another party stake on their behalf while still keeping control of their tokens. The holder delegates their staking power to a validator or service, which then participates in the network’s consensus and governance using that combined stake.
Context and Usage
Delegated staking is commonly discussed in the context of Proof of Stake blockchains that separate token ownership from active validation duties. It appears in protocol documentation, validator selection discussions, and staking platform descriptions, especially where smaller holders rely on professional validators. The term is also used when distinguishing different staking models and governance participation structures within PoS ecosystems.