conclave

[ kon-kleyv, kong- ]

noun

1. a private or secret meeting.
2. an assembly or gathering, especially one that has special authority, power, or influence:

   a conclave of political leaders.

3. the assembly or meeting of the cardinals for the election of a pope.
4. the body of cardinals; the College of Cardinals.
5. the place in which the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church meet in private for the election of a pope.

conclave

/ ˈkɒŋ-; ˈkɒnkleɪv /

noun

1. a confidential or secret meeting
2. RC Church
   1. the closed apartments where the college of cardinals elects a new pope
   2. a meeting of the college of cardinals for this purpose

Derived Forms

• ˈconclavist, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conclave¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin, Latin conclāve room, enclosed space, representing ( camera ) cum clāve (room) with key. See con-, clef

Word History and Origins

Origin of conclave¹

C14: from Medieval Latin conclāve, from Latin: cage, place that may be locked, from clāvis key

Example Sentences

This fictional papal conclave could be the Spring Fling.

From Salon

The character’s influence lies in her ability to observe and to be “totally alert” to everything happening around her during the conclave, but not in a submissive way.

From Los Angeles Times

The adults need to have their own conclave in a locked room, with no cellphones.

From Los Angeles Times

Before the statement was released, the leaders' conclave – where commonwealth prime ministers and presidents meet without advisers – went on for about six hours.

From BBC

The conclave is also disrupted by an unexpected guest: a cardinal secretly appointed by the pope.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confab