SKIP TO CONTENT

convene

/kənˈvin/
/kənˈvin/
IPA guide

Other forms: convened; convening; convenes

The verb convene is a somewhat formal way of saying "to bring together for the purpose of a meeting."

Convene is one of those words that lend an air of formality to a situation. We use it in place of the words "call a meeting" for such situations as government assemblages, court hearings, and conferences. Its meaning can be easily seen in its history — it comes from the Latin con-, which means "together," and the verb venīre, "to come." Imagine, if the syllables had just fit the music, the Beatles song "Come Together," might have been called "Convene."

Definitions of convene
  1. verb
    meet formally
    “The council convened last week”
    see moresee less
    types:
    reconvene
    meet or cause to meet again
    sit
    be in session
    type of:
    assemble, foregather, forgather, gather, meet
    collect in one place
  2. verb
    call together
    “The students were convened in the auditorium”
    synonyms: convoke
    see moresee less
    type of:
    summon
    ask to come
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘convene'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family