synod

American  

[sin-uhd] / ˈsɪn əd /

noun

1. an assembly of ecclesiastics or other church delegates, convoked pursuant to the law of the church, for the discussion and decision of ecclesiastical affairs; ecclesiastical council.

2. any council.

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synod British  

/ ˈsɪnəd, ˈsɪnɒd /

noun

1. a local or special ecclesiastical council, esp of a diocese, formally convened to discuss ecclesiastical affairs

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Other Word Forms

• antisynod adjective
• subsynod noun
• subsynodal adjective
• synodal adjective

Etymology

Origin of synod

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin synodus < Greek sýnodos meeting, equivalent to syn- syn- + ( h ) odós way

Example Sentences

Bishop of Blackburn Philip North - who tabled the amendment slimming down the choice put before the synod to one option - argued that the simpler model could be implemented more quickly.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2025

Most recently, the cardinal held a conference called The Synodal Babel in Rome on the eve of the Pope's synod, or meeting of bishops, last month.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2023

Then, on the eve of Francis’ big meeting of bishops last month, known as a synod, Burke presided over a counter-synod of sorts just steps away from St. Peter’s Square.

From Washington Times • Nov. 28, 2023

And on the eve of Francis’ big meeting of bishops last month, known as a synod, Burke presided over a counter-synod of sorts just steps away from St. Peter’s Square.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2023

The synod of 1559 was the beginning of a remarkable increase in the Reform movement; at that synod fifteen churches were represented, two years later, in 1561, the number increased to 2150.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 8 "Hudson River" to "Hurstmonceaux" by Various