computer conferencing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Business / Academic
Quick answer
What does “computer conferencing” mean?
A system allowing multiple participants in different locations to hold real-time discussions using networked computers, exchanging text, audio, and/or video.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system allowing multiple participants in different locations to hold real-time discussions using networked computers, exchanging text, audio, and/or video.
The practice or technology of conducting meetings, seminars, or collaborative work sessions through interconnected computers, often incorporating shared digital workspaces, file exchange, and multi-user applications. This can be synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in both varieties, though 'video conferencing' or 'online meeting' may be more common in everyday business contexts. Spelling follows national conventions for 'computer' (same) and 'conferencing' (same).
Connotations
In both varieties, it can sound slightly technical or dated (1980s/90s) compared to 'Zoom call' or 'Teams meeting'. It implies a formal, structured, multi-participant event.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in technical writing; low in everyday speech. More likely found in academic papers, IT manuals, or formal business proposals describing systems.
Grammar
How to Use “computer conferencing” in a Sentence
We use [computer conferencing] for [team meetings].The [meeting] was held via [computer conferencing].They installed a new [computer conferencing] system.To [collaborate], we rely on [computer conferencing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “computer conferencing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team will be computer conferencing from three different offices.
- We computer-conferenced with the Bristol branch yesterday.
American English
- The team will be computer conferencing from three different offices.
- We computer-conferenced with the Austin branch yesterday.
adverb
British English
- (Rare) They met computer-conferencingly. (Not standard; use 'via computer conferencing')
American English
- (Rare) Not standard usage.
adjective
British English
- They reviewed the computer-conferencing facilities.
- A reliable computer-conferencing solution is essential.
American English
- They reviewed the computer conferencing capabilities.
- A reliable computer conferencing solution is essential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Formal: 'The board will use computer conferencing for the quarterly review.' Informal: 'Let's jump on a video call.'
Academic
Describes a research method or educational tool: 'The study utilised computer conferencing for data collection among dispersed participants.'
Everyday
Rare. More likely: 'We had a group video chat.'
Technical
Precise term for the technology infrastructure: 'The platform supports multipoint computer conferencing with encryption.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “computer conferencing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “computer conferencing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “computer conferencing”
- Using 'computer conference' (noun for the event) interchangeably with 'computer conferencing' (the activity/system).
- Confusing it with 'chat' or 'instant messaging' (which are typically less structured, may not be multi-user real-time meetings).
- Misspelling as 'confering' or 'conferrencing'.
- Using it to refer to a one-to-one video call (it implies multiple participants).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'Zoom call' is a specific, contemporary example of computer conferencing. The broader term encompasses various technologies and platforms that enable multi-user, networked meetings.
Yes, historically, many early computer conferencing systems (like bulletin board systems or chat rooms) were primarily text-based. The modern term often implies audio/video, but text-based collaboration falls under its definition.
'Teleconferencing' traditionally refers to audio-only meetings via telephone lines. 'Computer conferencing' specifically uses computer networks and typically integrates data sharing, video, and other digital collaboration tools beyond just voice.
It is less common in casual conversation, where brand names (Zoom, Teams) or generic terms (video call, online meeting) are used. It remains relevant in technical, academic, and formal business contexts to describe the category of technology.
A system allowing multiple participants in different locations to hold real-time discussions using networked computers, exchanging text, audio, and/or video.
Computer conferencing is usually technical / business / academic in register.
Computer conferencing: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːtə ˈkɒnfərənsɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːt̬ɚ ˈkɑːnfərənsɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms. May be part of phrases like 'the magic of computer conferencing' (emphasising technology).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMPUTER acting as a virtual CONFERENCE room, connecting people through screens instead of seats.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COMPUTER NETWORK IS A MEETING SPACE / A VIRTUAL CONFERENCE HALL.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely to be a feature of traditional 'computer conferencing'?