conference

Pluralconferences

Formsconferences, conferencing, conferenced

1. 1
   formal meetingnouncountable

   A large formal event, often lasting several days, where people from one field or industry hear talks and discuss a shared subject.

   The annual genetics conference drew researchers from forty countries.

   At the conference, three teams presented competing results on the same protein.

   UsagePeople speak or present at a conference, often a conference on a subject: a conference on climate.

   Note

   What scientists bring to this kind of conference is results. Trade and business conferences work the same way, except that the talks center on a product, a market trend or a new regulation rather than research findings.

2. 2
   formal meetingnouncountable or uncountable

   A formal meeting at which people, such as leaders or representatives of countries, discuss serious matters and exchange views.

   The two leaders held a lengthy conference to settle the dispute.

   The doctors went into conference to agree on the best course of treatment.

   UsageYou have a conference with someone; people are in conference or go into conference, with no article.

   Similarconsultation, discussion, talks

   Note

   Here it means the talk itself rather than an organized event, and it can be small. Shakespeare's Lucilius speaks of "free and friendly conference", and T. S. Arthur's elderly gentleman asks a lawyer for "a few words of conference with him".

3. 3
   sports groupnouncountable

   A grouping of sports teams that compete against one another on a regular basis, usually within a larger league.

   The university moved to a stronger conference to boost its football program.

   Both finalists came from the same conference in the western states.

   UsageTeams play in a conference; before another noun it names its games and prizes: conference play, the conference title.

   Similardivision, league

4. 4
   verbUStransitive or intransitiveus

   To hold or join a meeting or call, especially by phone or video, or to bring another person into the call.

   The two lawyers conferenced by video for an hour before the hearing.

   Can you conference the client in once we've gone over the budget?

   Similarmeet, confer

   Note

   Chiefly an American use, and one that turns the noun into something you do. It works in two patterns. Without an object it means holding or joining the call (the lawyers conferenced by video); with a person as its object, usually followed by in or into, it means adding someone to a call already under way (conference the client in). Its forms are regular: conferenced, conferencing.

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