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

Protests unfolded at USC Thursday when students rallied outside of the Coliseum during convocation.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Previously candidates were required to be nominated by 50 members of the University’s Convocation.

From BBC

At a Tuesday speaking event in Atlanta at the Georgia State Convocation Center, the vice president said she would bring her experience as a prosecutor, district attorney and attorney general of California to bear in the race.

From Salon

Related Words

• confab