conference call: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral-to-formal
Quick answer
What does “conference call” mean?
A telephone call in which more than two people participate, typically for a business meeting or discussion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A telephone call in which more than two people participate, typically for a business meeting or discussion.
An audio or audiovisual meeting conducted via telecommunications technology, connecting multiple participants from different locations. This can now include video, screen-sharing, and other collaborative features beyond basic audio.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and minor lexical preferences. 'To conference call' as a verb is more accepted in American business English.
Connotations
Identical; strongly associated with corporate, administrative, or professional group communication.
Frequency
Very high and similar frequency in both varieties, ubiquitous in business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “conference call” in a Sentence
to be on a conference call (with X)to put X on a conference callto connect to a conference callto dial into a conference callVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conference call” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to conference-call the New York office tomorrow.
- I'll conference-call you in at 3 pm.
American English
- Let's conference call the client this afternoon.
- She conference-called the entire department for an update.
adverb
British English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standardly used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The conference-call facility was engaged.
- Please find the conference-call details below.
American English
- We have a conference-call number for attendees.
- The conference-call technology failed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Primary domain. Used for meetings, updates, client pitches, and team coordination across locations.
Academic
Used for research collaboration, committee meetings, or distance learning seminars.
Everyday
Used informally for coordinating plans with family or friends in multiple locations.
Technical
Refers specifically to the telecommunications service or feature that allows multiple connections.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conference call”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conference call”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conference call”
- Using plural 'conferences call' (incorrect). Using 'conference' alone when 'call' is needed for clarity (e.g., 'Let's have a conference' vs. 'Let's have a conference call').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, a conference call was audio-only. In modern usage, 'conference call' can include video, but 'video conference' is more specific. The terms are often used interchangeably now.
Yes, especially in American business English (e.g., 'Let's conference call them tomorrow'). It is less common but understood in British English, where 'have a conference call with' is often preferred.
They are largely synonymous. 'Teleconference' can sound slightly more formal or technical, while 'conference call' is the more common, everyday business term.
Use phrases like: 'You are invited to join a conference call on [date] at [time]. The dial-in details are below.' It's standard to provide a phone number, access code, and often a link for online joining if video is involved.
A telephone call in which more than two people participate, typically for a business meeting or discussion.
Conference call: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.fər.əns ˌkɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.fɚ.əns ˌkɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CONference table, but the participants are connected by a telephone CALL.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MEETING IS A (VIRTUAL) SPACE (e.g., 'join the call', 'on the call', 'bring someone into the call').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate core meaning of 'conference call'?