convention

noun con·ven·tion \ kən-ˈven(t)-shən \

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Examples: convention in a Sentence

1 a : agreement, contract

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

2 a : 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

3 a : 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.

See convention defined for English-language learners

See convention defined for kids

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 of convention from the Web

But any decisions can only be made at the next conference of the parties to the convention, in Egypt in November.

— kai kupferschmidt, Science | AAAS, "Plan to amend biopiracy rules would ‘smother research,’ biologists warn," 3 July 2018
Republicans have an opportunity to tweak the platform every two years at the convention.

— kimberlee kruesi, The Christian Science Monitor, "Idaho GOP convention wrestles with immigration, gay marriage," 2 July 2018
Those at the convention were focused on the issues, not the long odds of getting a Democrat elected in a state dominated by Republicans.

— katy moeller, idahostatesman, "Democrats see a surge in interest, but can that create a 'blue wave' in red Idaho?," 30 June 2018
Three Kansas lawmakers also will be speaking at the convention.

— judy l. thomas and hunter woodall, kansascity, "Nation’s largest anti-abortion organization brings its annual convention to Kansas," 27 June 2018
The announcement got a standing ovation at the convention.

— reader staff, Chicago Reader, "Media / News Reader sold to group led by Chicago Crusader publisher Dorothy Leavell," 15 June 2018
Fewer than a third of the 2,450 total ratings were at a satisfactory level, meaning those countries that agreed to the UN convention are at risk of violating the treaty.

— rory smith, CNN, "European mental health institutions fall 'far below the standard,' WHO reports," 6 June 2018
In Iowa, does Fred Hubbell surpass the 35 percent needed to avoid the gubernatorial nomination going to a convention?

— chuck todd, NBC News, "It's the biggest 2018 primary day so far. Here's what to watch for.," 5 June 2018
Organizers made major changes to the popular convention this year, especially to security and registration.

— lita nadebah beck, azcentral, "Phoenix Comic Fest organizers decide to end Phoenix Fan Fest," 31 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of convention

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin convention-, conventio, from convenire — see convenient

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

convention Synonyms

Synonyms

assembly, congress, convocation, council, gathering, get-together, huddle, meeting, powwow;

Related Words

clinic, workshop;

caucus, conclave, synod;

demonstration, rally;

conversation, dialogue (also dialog), discourse, discussion, palaver, talk;

negotiation, parley, summit;

conference, forum, roundtable, seminar, symposium;

audience, interview, session;

Other Game Terms

bezique, carom, crap, euchre, gambit, monte, parlay, tierce

CONVENTION Defined for English Language Learners

convention

noun

: 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

CONVENTION Defined for Kids

convention

noun con·ven·tion \ kən-ˈven-chən \

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 3

a convention among nations

Law Dictionary

convention

noun con·ven·tion

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