conclave

noun

con·​clave ˈkän-ˌklāv How to pronounce conclave (audio)
1
: a private meeting or secret assembly
especially : a meeting of Roman Catholic cardinals secluded continuously while choosing a pope
The conclave elected the new pope on the fifth ballot.
2
: a gathering of a group or association
the annual conclave of newspaper publishers

Did you know?

Conclave comes from a Latin word meaning "room that can be locked up" (from the Latin com-, "together," and clavis, "key"). The English conclave formerly had the same meaning, but that use is now obsolete. Today, conclave refers not to the locked rooms but to the private meetings and secret assemblies that occur within them. The meaning of conclave has also expanded to include gatherings that are not necessarily secret or private but simply involve people with shared interests.

Examples of conclave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vatican happenings were no different, as Romans put money down not only on conclave selections but cardinal appointments and papal activities as well. Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 4 May 2025 In total, 133 cardinals will be voting during this conclave, the most electors ever, with 108 of them being appointed by Pope Francis. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 2 May 2025 During a conclave, cardinals vote through a secret ballot. Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025 What times should viewers look for smoke during the conclave? Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for conclave

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, room that can be locked up, from com- + clavis key — more at clavicle

First Known Use

1524, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conclave was in 1524

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Cite this Entry

“Conclave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conclave. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

conclave

noun
con·​clave ˈkän-ˌklāv How to pronounce conclave (audio)
: a private or secret meeting or assembly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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