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

Explanation

A convocation is a calling together of people — or it can also refer to the group that has gathered in response to the convocation. A convocation of students might protest a new dress code policy. The noun convocation stems from the Latin word convocare, meaning "to call together," which combines the prefix com-, meaning "together," and vocare, meaning "to call." A convocation — or calling together — of citizens to unite in protest may bring an end to a country's unjust government. A convocation — or assembly — of workers might gather to demand higher wages and better working conditions.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2024

Those include new training at freshman orientations, faculty seminars and convocation remarks.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 15, 2023

As a senior at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, Professor Hamilton participated in the first convocation for young poets at Indiana University, an event financed by the philanthropist Ruth Lilly.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2023

Thus, there gathered a loud convocation of such of our number as claim familiarity with appropriate rites of burial—a meeting of palaver-men, Christian New Lights, obeah priests, and new-made cunning-workers.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• confab