conjugation

noun

con·​ju·​ga·​tion ˌkän-jə-ˈgā-shən 

1

a

: a schematic arrangement of the inflectional forms of a verb

b

: verb inflection

c

: a class of verbs having the same type of inflectional forms

the weak conjugation

d

: a set of the simple or derivative inflectional forms of a verb especially in Sanskrit or the Semitic languages

the causative conjugation

2

: the act of conjugating : the state of being conjugated

3

a

: fusion of usually similar gametes with ultimate union of their nuclei and sexual reproduction that occurs in most fungi and in some algae (such as green algae)

b

: temporary cytoplasmic union with exchange of nuclear material that is the usual sexual process in ciliated protozoans

c

: the one-way transfer of DNA between bacteria in cellular contact

conjugational

ˌkän-jə-ˈgā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

conjugationally adverb

Examples of conjugation in a Sentence

a lesson on French verb conjugation

Recent Examples on the Web

This halting, haunted recitation, almost like the conjugation of an unfamiliar verb, speaks to Li’s state more precisely than anything else in the book. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

And this, this can be expressed in Spanish through the conjugation of a single verb. —Teresa Grøtan (tr. Caroline Waight), The Dial, 12 Nov. 2024

There were the simple conjugations: J’aime, tu aimes, il aime . . . —Rosanna Warren, Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024

While apps like Duolingo are known for hammering in vocabulary through simple flashcard-type quizzes, Rosetta Stone progresses to verbs and conjugation through more complex learning models. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 31 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for conjugation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

conjugation

noun

con·​ju·​ga·​tion ˌkän-jə-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act of conjugating : the state of being conjugated

2

: a class of verbs having the same type of inflectional forms

3

a

: the union of sex cells that are usually of the same size and shape and that in most fungi and some algae serves as a simple form of sexual reproduction

b

: a method of reproduction in ciliated protozoans (as a paramecium) that involves the formation of a bridge of cytoplasm between two individuals, the exchange of material in their nuclei, and the division of each individual after they separate

Medical Definition

conjugation

noun

con·​ju·​ga·​tion ˌkän-jə-ˈgā-shən 

1

: the act of conjugating : the state of being conjugated

2

a

: fusion of usually similar gametes with ultimate union of their nuclei that occurs in most fungi and in some algae (as green algae)

b

: temporary cytoplasmic union with exchange of nuclear material that is the usual sexual process in ciliated protozoans

c

: the one-way transfer of DNA between bacteria in cellular contact

conjugational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective