conferring

American  

[kuhn-fur-ing] / kənˈfɜr ɪŋ /

noun

1. the presentation of a degree, honor, gift, etc..

   The ceremony included the conferring of 330 undergraduate and 46 graduate degrees.

2. the act of consulting with someone or carrying on a discussion or deliberation.

   Conferring is a critical step in reflecting on our writing and ultimately improving it.

---

adjective

1. relating to the presentation of a degree, honor, gift, etc..

   Provide the title of the diploma or degree received, the name of the conferring institution, and its city and state.

2. involved in or relating to a discussion or consultation.

   He looked over at the conferring soldiers, deep in conversation and seemingly oblivious to their surroundings.

Etymology

Origin of conferring

First recorded in 1555–65; confer ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; confer ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

As the Bank of Southwark went public in Philadelphia, investors hired muscular goons to sign their names into the subscription books conferring the right to buy shares.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Bain firmly she rejected accusations of corruption and conferring political advantage.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

"After conferring with the league office, because Lamar didn't take starter reps in practice, we updated our report to reflect his practice participation," the Ravens said.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

After conferring with state water quality officials, DWP drained the reservoir to repair the floating cover.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

I noticed them conferring over the dead, naked turkeys on the back porch, speaking low in Spanish.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly