conclave

American  

[kon-kleyv, kong-] / ˈkɒn kleɪv, ˈkɒŋ- /

noun

1. a private or secret meeting.

2. an assembly or gathering, especially one that has special authority, power, or influence.

   a conclave of political leaders.

3. the assembly or meeting of the cardinals for the election of a pope.

4. the body of cardinals; the College of Cardinals.

5. the place in which the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church meet in private for the election of a pope.

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conclave British  

/ ˈkɒŋ-, ˈkɒnkleɪv /

noun

1. a confidential or secret meeting

2. RC Church

   1. the closed apartments where the college of cardinals elects a new pope

   2. a meeting of the college of cardinals for this purpose

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Other Word Forms

• conclavist noun

Etymology

Origin of conclave

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin, Latin conclāve room, enclosed space, representing ( camera ) cum clāve (room) with key. See con-, clef

Example Sentences

In May he took part in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.

From BBC

He participated in two conclaves, one that elected Pope Francis in 2013 and the second that elected Leo XIV last May.

From BBC

It was for similar reasons that cardinals of different persuasions were thought to have coalesced around him at conclave.

From BBC

Six months since a conclave of cardinals elected the first North American to the Papacy, some Catholics feel that Leo has been slow to stamp his own mark on the role.

From BBC

Now, on the cusp of the latest COP30 climate conclave in Brazil next month, Mr. Gates offers different advice.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confab