Entry Word: conference

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a body of people come together in one place <the conference voted to conclude that dayʼs meeting and to resume discussions the next morning> — see gathering 1
2 a coming together of a number of persons for a specified purpose <a conference of teachers for the discussion of the stateʼs new policy of mandatory testing> — see meeting 1
3 a meeting featuring a group discussion <a conference on the need for international cooperation in combating emerging viruses> — see forum
4 an exchange of views for the purpose of exploring a subject or deciding an issue <a parent-teacher conference to discuss a student having trouble in school> — see discussion 1