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.

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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

U.S. and allied military planners, meanwhile, have spent months conferring on new blueprints for their combined force structures in Europe, under which the U.S. would reduce its nonnuclear deployments and Europeans would gradually fill gaps.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

After conferring with Parias’ 19-year-old son, Rivera asked the judge if the young man could hug his father, whom he hadn’t seen in a week.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

"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

This week, Thailand's King Vajiralongkorn revoked a royal command he had issued in June conferring higher titles to 81 monks.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 2025

The Suits are conferring with the chief of police.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed