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Definition of conclave

conclave

/ˈkɑːn.kleɪv/
con · clave
Plural:conclaves
•
Adjective:conclavial
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conclave Lexical Profile

conclave Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A private or secret meeting, gathering, or assembly of people.

Example

"The party leaders held a closed-door conclave to finalize their legislative strategy before the session began."

2

In the Roman Catholic Church, the secluded assembly of cardinals convened to elect a new pope, or the locked apartments in which they meet.

Example

"Crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square to watch for the white smoke signaling that the conclave had chosen a new pontiff."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for conclave

• Nearby Words

concisely
conciseness
concision
conclave
conclude
conclusion
conclusive

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French from Medieval Latin conclave ('a lockable room'), from Latin cum ('with') and clavis ('key'), originally referring to the locked chamber in which cardinals were secluded until they elected a new pope.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Conclave. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/conclave
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