convert

con·vert | \ kən-ˈvərt

How to pronounce convert (audio)

\

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

con·vert | \ ˈkän-ˌvərt

How to pronounce convert (audio)

\

Definition of convert (Entry 2 of 2)

: one that is converted a convert to Christianity

Other Words from convert Synonyms 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 Subsequently, American Sunday school primers, Bible mission tracts and popular novels recalled Jews’ complicity in the murder of Jesus and sought to convert them. — Pamela S. Nadell, The Conversation, "Anti-Semitism in the US today is a variation on an old theme," 7 Nov. 2019 At an informational meeting held on Sept. 25, Semarjian noted that ICP handled the adaptive reuse of the vacant Randall Park Mall in North Randall, converting it into an Amazon fulfillment center. — Thomas Jewell, cleveland, "Solon voters look to ‘mixed-use’ redevelopment on old Liberty Ford site," 6 Nov. 2019 As a final test, the researchers made stem cells from Huntington's patients, converted them into neurons, and tested the chemicals there. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Scientists find a way to target the protein behind Huntington’s disease," 1 Nov. 2019 In a play reminiscent of his game-winning gem against the Spurs while playing for Toronto last season, Leonard stole the ball near midcourt from DeRozan and converted it into a slam lead midway through the quarter. — Tom Orsborn, ExpressNews.com, "Leonard overcomes slow start to dominate Spurs late," 1 Nov. 2019 Activity: how effectively a firm uses its operating assets to convert them into sales or cash. — Vatsal Bhandari, Quartz India, "This simple formula could have predicted the distress at many bankrupt Indian firms," 29 Oct. 2019 The Browns turned it over on three consecutive snaps — a pair of Nick Chubb fumbles and a Baker Mayfield interception — and the Patriots converted them into 14 points. — BostonGlobe.com, "FOXBOROUGH — Phillip Dorsett wore the look of a kid who had a secret, but desperately wanted to tell the whole world.," 28 Oct. 2019 Plans for the larger building, the lodge, will be to convert it into an environmental education center. — David Taylor, Houston Chronicle, "Preservation of the Champion Lake Lodge and Cottage begins Nov. 9," 28 Oct. 2019 Clapp, who is also a real estate broker, wants to convert it into artist work studios. — Tad Vezner, Twin Cities, "A plan for Hamm’s: Massive arts and entertainment complex proposed," 26 Oct. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Call it zealotry of the self-help TV convert, or whatever. — Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Queer Eye: We're in Japan!': TV Review," 30 Oct. 2019 Stewart Mandel of The Athletic: Camden Lewis converts, and Oregon’s playoff hopes stay alive. — oregonlive, "Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers face unknowns in road games this week: Issues & Answers," 28 Oct. 2019 Although the Catholic Church currently only ordains unmarried men to the priesthood, some converts, from Anglicanism for example, can become Catholic priests even if they are already married. — Amir Vera, CNN, "Catholic leaders approve proposal that would allow some married men in the Amazon to be ordained as priests," 26 Oct. 2019 Moreover, with the center of gravity having shifted so far toward C-corps in terms of liquidity, more of the big MLPs may well take the plunge and convert, in a self-reinforcing process. — Washington Post, "Buying Pipelines Should Be Easier Than This," 19 Sep. 2019 More widespread as an energy source in Europe than in the United States, anaerobic digestion converts methane gas, which is released as organic matter decomposes, into natural gas. — Los Angeles Times, "Turning rotten food and poop into energy: Investors smell an opportunity," 14 Aug. 2019 The weight of the descending blocks converts kinetic energy into electricity. — Polina Marinova, Fortune, "How WeWork Incentivized CEO Adam Neumann To Take the Company Public: Term Sheet," 15 Aug. 2019 Two membership rewards points convert to one air mile in nine airline loyalty programmes, such as Emirates, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. — Ajay Awtaney, Quartz India, "A complete guide to frequent flyer miles and credit card points in India," 14 Aug. 2019 About 7 in 10 of those backing Harris and 8 in 10 backing Warren were converts since April, the poll found. — Los Angeles Times, "Democratic 2020 race up for grabs: Half of voters have changed their minds since spring, poll shows," 29 July 2019

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

11 Nov 2019

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

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

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

2 : to appropriate (another's property) by conversion the bailee converted the goods to his own use — see also embezzle

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to engage in dissolute behavior

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