convener: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, official, business, academic
Quick answer
What does “convener” mean?
A person who arranges and calls together a formal meeting, committee, or group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who arranges and calls together a formal meeting, committee, or group.
A person responsible for organizing and coordinating the activities of a group, often acting as a chair or facilitator; can also refer to a person who convenes a conference, event, or assembly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common and established as a formal title in British English, especially in trade unions, committees, and local government. In American English, 'chair', 'chairperson', or 'coordinator' are often preferred, though 'convener' is understood.
Connotations
In UK contexts, it often carries an official, procedural connotation. In US contexts, it may sound slightly more formal or British.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English. Lower frequency but still used in American English, particularly in international or academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “convener” in a Sentence
convener of [committee/group]convener for [event/project]act as (the) convenerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “convener” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The director will convene the board next Tuesday.
- The committee is convened quarterly.
American English
- The chair will convene the meeting at 3 PM.
- The task force convenes next week.
adverb
British English
- The group met conveningly on the first Monday.
- (Rarely used)
American English
- (Rarely used)
- (Rarely used)
adjective
British English
- The convening authority must be present.
- We await the convening notice.
American English
- The convening officer called the session to order.
- The convening date is set.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The convener of the steering committee will circulate the agenda.
Academic
She was the convener of the international symposium on climate ethics.
Everyday
John is the convener for our weekly book club meetings.
Technical
The safety review panel's convener called an emergency session.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “convener”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “convener”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “convener”
- Misspelling as 'convenor' (common variant but 'convener' is standard). Confusing with 'convent' (a religious community). Using it for informal gatherings where 'host' is more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are found, but 'convener' is the more common and standard spelling, following the pattern of 'convene' + '-er'. 'Convenor' is a recognized variant.
A convener specifically calls the meeting together and may also chair it. A chairperson primarily presides over the meeting once it is convened. The roles often overlap, but 'convener' emphasizes the initiating/organizing function.
It is possible but less common. For informal gatherings like parties, 'host' or 'organizer' is more natural. 'Convener' suggests a degree of formality and purpose.
Yes, it is a standard formal verb meaning 'to call people together for a meeting'. Example: 'The council will convene at noon.'
A person who arranges and calls together a formal meeting, committee, or group.
Convener: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈviːnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈviːnər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To wear the convener's hat (less common)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONVENience store as a place people come together; a CONVENER is a person who brings people together.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORCHESTRATOR (someone who brings different elements/people together to function as one).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'convener' MOST typically used as a formal title?