convene
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
-
to cause to assemble; convoke.
-
to summon to appear, as before a judicial officer.
verb
-
to gather, call together, or summon, esp for a formal meeting
-
(tr) to order to appear before a court of law, judge, tribunal, etc
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of convene
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin convenīre to come together, equivalent to con- con- + venīre to come
Explanation
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."
Vocabulary lists containing convene
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 16–19
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com-, con-
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This Week in Words: April 14 - 20, 2018
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On a drizzly morning, a dozen of the wealthiest kids in the world convene in an Austin Airbnb to consider a question: “Why do you think it is your parents want you to work?”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
In these volunteer-run gatherings, people convene — in libraries, places of worship and independent living communities — for tea and snacks to discuss their mortality in an informal, supportive setting.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
A text message told attendees to expect a more subdued affair described as “a gathering for people who wanted to convene, eat and drink and be with community.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026
Cherfilus-McCormick resigned minutes before the House ethics committee was to convene and make a recommendation on the punishment for the 25 violations of House rules and ethical standards, the committee determined she committed.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
The sun sets and we convene for what I’m anticipating to be the most awkward dinner of my life.
From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
