convocation

American  

[kon-vuh-key-shuhn] / ˌkɒn vəˈkeɪ ʃən /

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.

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convocation British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See convention.

Other Word Forms

• convocational adjective
• convocationally adverb
• convocator noun

Etymology

Origin of convocation

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

Example Sentences

In his fall 1971 convocation address at the University of Alberta, McLuhan told students that in an electronic world, people become “discarnate data, a sort of disembodied spirit coexisting and functioning simultaneously in diverse locations.”

From Slate • Jul. 28, 2025

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 • May 22, 2024

Folt said she had lauded Tabassum at an academic convocation dinner on April 4.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2024

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 • Apr. 22, 2024

Of course they'd been behind the annual convocation senior prank.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

Related Words

• confab