synod

[ sin-uhd ]

noun

1. an assembly of ecclesiastics or other church delegates, convoked pursuant to the law of the church, for the discussion and decision of ecclesiastical affairs; ecclesiastical council.
2. any council.

synod

/ ˈsɪnəd; ˈsɪnɒd /

noun

1. a local or special ecclesiastical council, esp of a diocese, formally convened to discuss ecclesiastical affairs

Derived Forms

• ˈsynodal, adjective

Other Words From

• synod·al adjective
• anti·synod adjective
• sub·synod noun
• sub·synod·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of synod¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin synodus < Greek sýnodos meeting, equivalent to syn- syn- + ( h ) odós way

Word History and Origins

Origin of synod¹

C14: from Late Latin synodus, from Greek sunodos, from syn- + hodos a way

Example Sentences

Advocates for greater roles for women in the Church had hoped the synod might call for women to serve as deacons.

From BBC

The pope’s mixed record on LGBTQ+ issues was epitomized by the Vatican’s 2023 synod bringing together hundreds of bishops and lay people from around the world to confer on the future of the church.

From Seattle Times

The synod aims to make the church more inclusive and reflective of and responsive to the needs of rank-and-file Catholics.

From Seattle Times

Most recently, the cardinal held a conference called The Synodal Babel in Rome on the eve of the Pope's synod, or meeting of bishops, last month.

From BBC

The recent Vatican gathering of bishops and laypeople, known as a synod, backed off language explicitly calling for welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics.

From Seattle Times