Quaker meeting

American  

[kwey-ker mee-ting] / ˈkweɪ kər ˈmi tɪŋ /

noun

1. an assembly of Quakers for a time of worship, during which the group’s silence is broken only by those who have been moved by the spirit of God to speak.

   His parents were saddened to learn that he had not visited a Quaker meeting since moving to Kansas.

2. Informal. a gathering at which there is considerable silence.

   This party’s turning into a Quaker meeting—maybe we should bring out the karaoke machine.

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Quaker meeting British  

noun

1. a gathering of the Quakers for worship, characterized by periods of silence and by members speaking as moved by the Spirit

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Etymology

Origin of Quaker meeting

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

For months, activists have been demanding more support from city leadership, explained Elias Siegelman, an activist who works with No ICE Philly, which meets in the quintessentially Pennsylvanian location of a Quaker meeting house.

From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026

Paul Parker, of Quakers in Britain, said he could not recall anyone being arrested at a Quaker meeting house in living memory.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2025

Turrell’s installations beg comparison to the Quaker meeting house, where Friends gather together in silence, in search of “inner light.”

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2022

They posted ads and interviewed candidates to supervise the students in two buildings—International Neighbors’ office and a Quaker meeting house in Rose Hill, about two miles from Hearthwood.

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2020

Gideon and I had gone to a Quaker meeting once, because they were having roast beef and sweet potatoes afterward.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool