convocation

American  

[kon-vuh-key-shuhn] / ˌkɒn vəˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of convoking.

2. the state of being convoked.

3. a group of people gathered in answer to a summons; assembly.

4. Anglican Church. either of the two provincial synods or assemblies of the clergy.

5. Protestant Episcopal Church.

   1. an assembly of the clergy of part of a diocese.

   2. the area represented at such an assembly.

6. a formal assembly at a college or university, especially for a graduation ceremony.

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convocation British  

/ ˌkɒnvəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. a large formal assembly, esp one specifically convened

2. the act of convoking or state of being convoked

3. Church of England either of the synods of the provinces of Canterbury or York

4. Episcopal Church

   1. an assembly of the clergy and part of the laity of a diocese

   2. a district represented at such an assembly

5. (sometimes capital) (in some British universities) a legislative assembly composed mainly of graduates

6. (in India) a degree-awarding ceremony

7. (in Australia and New Zealand) the graduate membership of a university

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Related Words

See convention.

Other Word Forms

• convocational adjective
• convocationally adverb
• convocator noun

Etymology

Origin of convocation

1350–1400; Middle English convocacio ( u ) n (< Middle French ) < Latin convocātiōn- (stem of convocātiō ). See convoke, -ation

Explanation

A convocation is a calling together of people — or it can also refer to the group that has gathered in response to the convocation. A convocation of students might protest a new dress code policy. The noun convocation stems from the Latin word convocare, meaning "to call together," which combines the prefix com-, meaning "together," and vocare, meaning "to call." A convocation — or calling together — of citizens to unite in protest may bring an end to a country's unjust government. A convocation — or assembly — of workers might gather to demand higher wages and better working conditions.

Example Sentences

In his fall 1971 convocation address at the University of Alberta, McLuhan told students that in an electronic world, people become “discarnate data, a sort of disembodied spirit coexisting and functioning simultaneously in diverse locations.”

From Slate • Jul. 28, 2025

Protests unfolded at USC Thursday when students rallied outside of the Coliseum during convocation.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2024

The proposal came in response to a raucous March 24 protest that halted the school’s annual honors convocation, a 100-year-old tradition preceding the May 4 graduation.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 2024

The 100-year-old annual honors convocation at the University of Michigan is typically a decorous affair, with a pipe organ accompanying golf-clap applause.

From New York Times • Apr. 18, 2024

Overnight, the satyrs and nymphs disappeared into the woods for a convocation of the Cloven Elders.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• confab