conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce conversion (audio)
-shən
1
: the act of converting : the process of being converted
2
: an experience associated with the definite and decisive adoption of a religion
3
a
: the operation of finding a converse in logic or mathematics
b
: reduction of a mathematical expression by clearing of fractions
4
: a successful attempt for a point or points especially after a touchdown or for a first down
a 2-point conversion
a third-down conversion
5
: something converted from one use to another
6
conversional
kən-ˈvərzh-nəl How to pronounce conversion (audio)
-ˈvər-zhə-
-ˈvər-shnəl
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of conversion in a Sentence

The company is undergoing a conversion to a new computer system. They have suggested conversion of the old school into apartments. Conversion to gas heating will continue over the next few years. a conversion from Catholicism to Judaism He is thinking about conversion to Buddhism.
Recent Examples on the Web Allen accused her of conversion, which is similar to theft but is a civil claim rather than a criminal one. Evan Mealins, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 The conversion of what was formerly The Thomas Jefferson School of Law was completed in 2022, and Genesis landed its first lease in June of that year. Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 Hernandez said a search of the man’s home turned up three firearms, six machine gun conversion devices, a silencer, ammunition, firearm manufacturing materials and two 3D printers. Jason Green, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 Most ADUs cost more than $150,000 to build On the low end, ADU project costs could start at $150,000 for a garage conversion and go up quickly from there. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 Approximately 60 years later, planning permission was granted to return the building to a private residence, with the conversion taking place from 2009 to 2011. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2024 Examples of attribution models and how value is assigned: • Last Click: This model attributes all conversion values to the last interaction. Jenya Edelberg, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Office-to-residential conversions can be highly complicated—and highly expensive. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024 Households are hitting pause on their tub-to-shower conversion plans and buying new shower curtains instead. Brian Cheung, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conversion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conversion-, conversio, from convertere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conversion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near conversion

Cite this Entry

“Conversion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversion. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conversion

noun
con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce conversion (audio)
1
: the act of converting : the state of being converted
2
: a change in nature, form, or units
3
: a change of religion

Medical Definition

conversion

noun
con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən, -shən How to pronounce conversion (audio)
1
: the transformation of an unconscious mental conflict into a symbolically equivalent bodily symptom
2

Legal Definition

conversion

noun
con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən How to pronounce conversion (audio)
1
a
: the act of changing from one form or use to another
b
: the act of exchanging one kind of property for another
especially : the act of exchanging preferred stocks or bonds for shares of common stock of the same company usually at a preset ratio or price and at a preset time
equitable conversion
: the constructive conversion of real property into personal property especially as a result of a contract for sale of land or testamentary instructions to sell real estate and divide the proceeds

Note: Equitable conversion is a legal fiction under which the seller of a real property becomes, upon the execution of a contract for the sale of the property, the owner of personal property in the form of legal title to the property that secures payment of the purchase price. The purchaser is deemed to be the holder of equitable title in and owner of the real property, having the rights and being subject to the liabilities that attend that status. In the case of a will in which a property owner authorizes the sale of real property and distribution of the proceeds, the property transforms into personalty by equitable conversion upon the owner's death.

involuntary conversion
: the conversion of property into other property as compensation for the theft, destruction, seizure, requisition, or condemnation of the original property

Note: For income tax purposes, involuntary conversions are generally taxable, and the gain or loss is computed by offsetting the basis of the property against the compensation received (as from insurance).

2
: the crime or tort of interfering with the ownership of another's movable or personal property without authorization or justification (as a lien) and especially of depriving the owner of use and possession see also fraudulent conversion

More from Merriam-Webster on conversion

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