convert

verb

con·vert | \kən-ˈvərt

converted; converting; converts

Definition of convert

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another They tried to convert us to their way of thinking.

b : to bring about a religious conversion in The missionaries converted the native people to Christianity.

2a : to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of especially in manufacturing converting starch into dextrose

b(1) : to change from one form or function to another converted the attic into a bedroom

(2) : to alter for more effective utilization convert a coal furnace to oil

(3) : to appropriate without right

c : to exchange for an equivalent convert foreign currency into dollars convert a bond

3 obsolete : turn

4 : to subject to logical conversion

5a : to make a goal after receiving (a pass) from a teammate

b : to score on (an attempt, such as a try for point or free throw)

c : to make (a spare) in bowling

intransitive verb

1 : to undergo conversion He converted to Islam.

2 : to succeed in an attempt for a point, field goal, or free throw

convert

noun

con·vert | \ˈkän-ˌvərt

Definition of convert (Entry 2 of 2)

: one that is converted a convert to Christianity

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about convert

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Choose the Right Synonym for convert

Verb

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing. transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function. transformed a small company into a corporate giant metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power. awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing. attempted to transmute lead into gold convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function. converted the study into a nursery transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis. a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies. joy transfigured her face

Examples of convert in a Sentence

Verb

They tried for two points but could not convert. They had many chances to score but they couldn't convert their opportunities. They had chances to score but couldn't convert.

Noun

I didn't think I'd like paying my bills online, but now I'm a convert. the converts were the most vocal and fervent worshippers in the church

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Husky quarterback Jake Browning led the Huskies down the field in nine plays, and converted a fourth-and-10 pass to Andre Baccellia that kept the drive alive. — Scott Hanson, The Seattle Times, "Pac-12 championship the next step in UW’s short — but intense — rivalry with Utah," 28 Nov. 2018 If StockX can convert a sliver of those primary market customers, the website’s profits could be significant. — Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, "This Website Is the Stock Market for Nikes and Rolexes," 26 Nov. 2018 Moms and dads can adjust its height, convert its setup into a series of positions, and even reverse the seat to face in or out. — Jessica Leigh Mattern, Country Living, "Here's Where to Buy the Super-Popular Stroller Joanna Gaines Uses for Baby Crew," 21 Oct. 2018 The stairway off the veranda was sometimes even converted into a waterslide for the younger royals. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "The Story Behind the Royal Family's Yacht, Britannia," 30 Sep. 2018 Back in April, Airbus and aerospace design firm Zodiac unveiled a concept that converted a plane's cargo hold into a pod-like sleeping area, putting a whole new spin on first class. — Sebastian Modak, Condé Nast Traveler, "Qantas Wants to Have a 20-Hour London-Sydney Flight Ready by 2022," 30 Aug. 2018 If, once converted into dollars, Big Mac prices vary, one or other currency looks dear. — The Economist, "Investors are gorging on American assets," 12 July 2018 The organization teaches potential candidates how to create fundraising plans and convert their impressive CVs into political narratives suitable for the campaign trail. — David Yaffe-bellany, star-telegram, "As Trump backlash continues, STEM professionals in Texas run for office," 12 July 2018 The land was purchased by Merlin Entertainments Group and converted into one of its Legoland parks in 2011. — Dewayne Bevil, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Legoland Florida: Hurricane-ripped ship back in theme park's pirate show," 11 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Four of the third downs Seattle didn’t convert were of 9 yards or more. — Bob Condotta, The Seattle Times, "What to watch for when the Seahawks play the Chicago Bears on Monday night," 16 Sep. 2018 Delta Air Lines was an early convert, ordering 75 C Series planes with deliveries to start next year; more recently, JetBlue snapped up 60 of the jets. — Barbara Peterson, Condé Nast Traveler, "5 New Planes That Will Change the Way You Travel," 4 Sep. 2018 Then there were the converts: folks who were already active elsewhere on Reddit, but poked their heads into conspiracy subreddits once the crisis arose. — Emma Grey Ellis, WIRED, "Here’s One Way to Reform an Internet Conspiracy Theorist," 27 June 2018 Paul, a convert to Christianity who went around evangelizing people, was a known troublemaker, said Douglas Campbell, a professor of New Testament at Duke Divinity School. — Emily Mcfarlan Miller And Yonat Shimron, USA TODAY, "Why is Jeff Sessions quoting Romans 13 and why is the bible verse so often invoked?," 16 June 2018 Likewise, the prison diary of Vibia Perpetua of Carthage, who was martyred in 203 at the age of 21 after becoming a Christian convert, recorded both her inner thoughts and daily life, making her the founding mother of prison literature. — Amanda Foreman, WSJ, "Literature Behind Bars," 12 July 2018 Its filmmaker, Jeffrey Kimball, an urban birding convert, captured four seasons of Central Park’s birding community in an engaging portrait of its singular characters. — Penelope Green, New York Times, "Young Urban Birders, Open Your Hearts to the Treetops!," 23 June 2018 Webb, a convert to Islam whose grandfather was a Christian minister, combines a love for popular culture, particularly hip-hop, with deep Islamic learning. — Daniel Burke, CNN, "Hear from some of America's most influential Muslims," 4 May 2018 Despite often being prolific Redditors, converts sink the least effort into conspiracy theorizing, often repeating the same small point over and over. — Emma Grey Ellis, WIRED, "Here’s One Way to Reform an Internet Conspiracy Theorist," 27 June 2018

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

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Last Updated

9 Dec 2018

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Time Traveler for convert

The first known use of convert was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for convert

convert

verb

English Language Learners Definition of convert

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to change (something) into a different form or so that it can be used in a different way

: to change to a different system, method, etc.

: to change from one form or use to another

convert

noun

English Language Learners Definition of convert (Entry 2 of 2)

: a person who has changed to a different religion, belief, political party, etc.

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

convert

verb

con·vert | \kən-ˈvərt

converted; converting

Kids Definition of convert

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to change from one form to another There are mechanical devices that convert air into beautiful sounds.— E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan

2 : to change from one belief, religion, view, or party to another

3 : to exchange for an equivalent I converted my dollars into euros.

convert

noun

con·vert | \ˈkän-ˌvərt

Kids Definition of convert (Entry 2 of 2)

: a person who has been convinced to change to a different belief, religion, view, or party

convert

transitive verb

con·vert | \kən-ˈvərt

Legal Definition of convert

1a : to change from one form or use to another

b : to exchange (property) for another especially of a different kind if property…is compulsorily or involuntarily converted — Internal Revenue Code especially : to exercise the right of conversion by exchanging (preferred shares or bonds) for common stock