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

After wandering the streets with “three great Puffy Rolls”—one to eat and one under each arm—he enters a Quaker meeting house and promptly falls asleep.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2022

“It has certainly occurred to us that here is a neighbor in need,” said Richard Kleinschmidt, co-clerk of the Quaker meeting, “and how can we help him?”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 10, 2021

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