convocation

[ kon-vuh-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of convoking.
2. the state of being convoked.
3. a group of people gathered in answer to a summons; assembly.
4. Anglican Church. either of the two provincial synods or assemblies of the clergy.
5. Protestant Episcopal Church.
   1. an assembly of the clergy of part of a diocese.
   2. the area represented at such an assembly.
6. a formal assembly at a college or university, especially for a graduation ceremony.

convocation

/ ˌkɒnvəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. a large formal assembly, esp one specifically convened
2. the act of convoking or state of being convoked
3. Church of England either of the synods of the provinces of Canterbury or York
4. Episcopal Church
   1. an assembly of the clergy and part of the laity of a diocese
   2. a district represented at such an assembly
5. sometimes capital (in some British universities) a legislative assembly composed mainly of graduates
6. (in India) a degree-awarding ceremony
7. (in Australia and New Zealand) the graduate membership of a university

Derived Forms

• ˈconvoˌcator, noun
• ˌconvoˈcational, adjective

Other Words From

• convo·cation·al adjective
• convo·cation·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of convocation¹

1350–1400; Middle English convocacio ( u ) n (< Middle French ) < Latin convocātiōn- (stem of convocātiō ). See convoke, -ation

Synonym Study

See convention.

Example Sentences

The group has already taken part of several protests, including one where keffiyeh-clad students walked out of back-to-campus dinners at the dean of students’ home and a “rally against repression” outside the convocation ceremony Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Lyons also won fans at the welcome convocation for new students.

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this month, Ms. Tillman, now 18, took part in Arizona State’s commencement ceremony and delivered remarks as the outstanding 2024 graduate at the College of Health Solution’s convocation.

From New York Times

“Those who have violated the law are subject to arrest and prosecution. University officials have taken action to ensure the safety of Centennial Hall convocation attendees.”

From New York Times

The proposal came in response to a raucous March 24 protest that halted the school’s annual honors convocation, a 100-year-old tradition preceding the May 4 graduation.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• confab