conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən 

-shən

1

: the act of converting : the process of being converted

2

: an experience associated with the definite and decisive adoption of a religion

3

a

: the operation of finding a converse in logic or mathematics

b

: reduction of a mathematical expression by clearing of fractions

4

: a successful attempt for a point or points especially after a touchdown or for a first down

a 2-point conversion

a third-down conversion

5

: something converted from one use to another

6

: gene conversion

conversional

kən-ˈvərzh-nəl 

-ˈvər-zhə-

-ˈvər-shnəl

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• transformation

Examples of conversion in a Sentence

The company is undergoing a conversion to a new computer system.

They have suggested conversion of the old school into apartments.

Conversion to gas heating will continue over the next few years.

a conversion from Catholicism to Judaism

He is thinking about conversion to Buddhism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Marcus Mariota threw an interception that bounced off Deebo Samuel’s hands, and Washington came up short on two fourth-down conversions. —Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025

OpenAI completed its conversion into a for-profit company on Tuesday, clearing a major obstacle for a potential initial public offering. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2025

The second-round pick delivered his best performance of the season Sunday, clearing holes on several plays, including a 22-yard Jaylen Waddle catch-and-run and a third-and-short conversion by Ollie Gordon II. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

This night train to the slopes is an all-inclusive package, including transport, transfers, accommodation, and ski pass, with the option to rent gear (starting at 1,256 euros, or approximately $1,461 per person, based on current conversion rates). —Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conversion-, conversio, from convertere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing conversion

• conversion disorder
• conversion therapy
• gene conversion

Rhymes for conversion

• aspersion
• aversion
• dispersion
• diversion
• eversion
• excursion
• immersion
• incursion
• inversion
• perversion
• recursion
• reversion

Kids Definition

conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən 

1

: the act of converting : the state of being converted

2

: a change in nature, form, or units

3

: a change of religion

Medical Definition

conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən, -shən 

1

: the transformation of an unconscious mental conflict into a symbolically equivalent bodily symptom

2

: gene conversion

Legal Definition

conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən 

1

a

: the act of changing from one form or use to another

b

: the act of exchanging one kind of property for another

especially : the act of exchanging preferred stocks or bonds for shares of common stock of the same company usually at a preset ratio or price and at a preset time

— equitable conversion

: the constructive conversion of real property into personal property especially as a result of a contract for sale of land or testamentary instructions to sell real estate and divide the proceeds

Note: Equitable conversion is a legal fiction under which the seller of a real property becomes, upon the execution of a contract for the sale of the property, the owner of personal property in the form of legal title to the property that secures payment of the purchase price. The purchaser is deemed to be the holder of equitable title in and owner of the real property, having the rights and being subject to the liabilities that attend that status. In the case of a will in which a property owner authorizes the sale of real property and distribution of the proceeds, the property transforms into personalty by equitable conversion upon the owner's death.

— involuntary conversion

: the conversion of property into other property as compensation for the theft, destruction, seizure, requisition, or condemnation of the original property

Note: For income tax purposes, involuntary conversions are generally taxable, and the gain or loss is computed by offsetting the basis of the property against the compensation received (as from insurance).

2

: the crime or tort of interfering with the ownership of another's movable or personal property without authorization or justification (as a lien) and especially of depriving the owner of use and possession see also fraudulent conversion