conducts; conducted; conducting
1
: to plan and do (something, such as an activity)
The police are conducting an investigation into last week's robbery.
scientists conducting research/experiments
I like the way the company conducts business.
The magazine conducted a survey.
Who will be conducting the meeting?
The committee is expected to conduct hearings in May.
2
: to direct the performance of (musicians or singers)
He conducts the choir with great skill and emotion.
conducting the music of Mozart
She conducts extremely well.
3
always followed by a preposition or adverb formal
: to guide or lead (someone) through or around a place
Our guide slowly conducted us through the museum.
Our guide conducted us along the path.
4
technical
: to allow (heat or electricity) to move from one place to another
Metals conduct electricity well.
somewhat formal
1
: the way that a person behaves in a particular place or situation
A panel investigated her conduct and she was subsequently fired.
His personal conduct reflected poorly on the company. [=he behaved in a way that made the company look bad]
professional/sexual conduct
2
: the way that something is managed or directed
—+ of
Laws and regulations control the conduct [=management] of business and trade.
Cite this Entry
“Conduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/conduct. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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