convention

noun

con·ven·tion | \kən-ˈven(t)-shən

Definition of convention

b : an agreement between states for regulation of matters affecting all of them an international convention banning the spread of nuclear weapons

c : a compact between opposing commanders especially concerning prisoner exchange or armistice

d : a general agreement about basic principles or procedures also : a principle or procedure accepted as true or correct by convention the conventions of grammar

2a : the summoning or convening of an assembly

b : an assembly of persons met for a common purpose a comic book convention especially : a meeting of the delegates of a political party for the purpose of formulating a platform and selecting candidates for office

c : the usually state or national organization of a religious denomination

3a : usage or custom especially in social matters conventions of society

b : a rule of conduct or behavior

c : a practice in bidding or playing that conveys information between partners in a card game (such as bridge)

d : an established technique, practice, or device (as in the theater) The usual romantic conventions made the film predictable.

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Examples of convention in a Sentence

We go to the weeklong annual teachers' convention every summer. He bought some new books at the science fiction convention. The Democratic National Convention will meet next week to announce their party's candidate for president. It's important to follow the conventions of punctuation in a paper for school. They say school is just as important for teaching children social codes and conventions as for teaching math. Many sports shows have recently adopted the conventions of the talk show. a poet who rebels against literary convention The award that by convention should have gone to the student with the highest grade went instead to the teacher's favorite. As a matter of convention, the oldest members speak first. The director's use of the usual romantic conventions made the film boring and predictable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Since it's creation, other Barbie conventions have started around the world. — Lauren Castle, azcentral, "Valley of the dolls: Barbie collectors hit Phoenix resort scene for 2018 convention," 13 July 2018 That said, there is another mechanism for tabling an amendment: a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of the states. — The Economist, "America’s electoral system gives the Republicans advantages over Democrats," 12 July 2018 In this first meeting with Long — in the same city as a national athletic directors convention that week — Jennings felt positive vibes. — Jesse Newell, kansascity, "How Jeff Long — introduced as new AD Wednesday — impressed KU’s search committee," 11 July 2018 The Post has reported that organization is actually WikiLeaks, which published emails the hackers stole from the Democratic National Committee on the eve of Democrats' convention. — Amber Phillips, chicagotribune.com, "6 questions about the indictment of 12 Russians for hacking," 13 July 2018 THE SWAMP Clinton, Sanders, Warren to headline American Federation of Teachers convention in Pittsburgh. — Fox News, "FOX NEWS FIRST: Anti-Trump FBI lovebird defies subpoena; Trump slams 'inappropriate' Russia deal at NATO summit," 11 July 2018 Delegates discussed the issue while finalizing amendments to the Idaho Republican Party platform during the final day of the GOP convention in Pocatello, Idaho. — Kimberlee Kruesi, The Christian Science Monitor, "Idaho GOP convention wrestles with immigration, gay marriage," 2 July 2018 Also part of the pop-culture convention: comic-book creators, cosplay, photo ops, Star Wars Trivia, a kids con and more. — Christopher Arnott, courant.com, "Things To Do This Week," 25 June 2018 As co-founder Chuck Rowland had said at the 1953 opening of the first Mattachine convention: Of what does this pride consist? — Devlyn Camp, Chicago Reader, "History / LGBTQ+ / News What I learned about gay pride from the Mattachine Society," 22 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'convention.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near convention

Phrases Related to convention

convention center

defy convention

the Geneva Convention

Statistics for convention

Last Updated

18 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for convention

The first known use of convention was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for convention

convention

noun

English Language Learners Definition of convention

: a large meeting of people who come to a place for usually several days to talk about their shared work or other interests or to make decisions as a group

: a custom or a way of acting or doing things that is widely accepted and followed

: a traditional or common style often used in literature, theater, or art to create a particular effect

See the full definition for convention in the English Language Learners Dictionary

convention

noun

con·ven·tion | \kən-ˈven-chən

Kids Definition of convention

1 : a meeting of people for a common purpose a teachers' convention

2 : a custom or a way of acting and doing things that is widely accepted and followed Follow the conventions of punctuation in your writing.

3 : agreement sense 3 a convention among nations

convention

noun

con·ven·tion

Legal Definition of convention

1 : an agreement between nations for regulation of matters affecting all of them

2 : an agreement enforceable in law : contract

3 : an assembly of persons met for a common purpose especially : a meeting of the delegates of a political party for the purpose of formulating a platform and selecting candidates for office