teleconferencing
C1Formal / Technical
Definition
Meaning
The practice of holding a meeting, conference, or discussion between participants who are in different locations by using telecommunications equipment, typically involving audio, video, or both.
Any formal or informal real-time communication session involving people in separate locations using telecommunication networks. This can range from a simple audio conference call to a complex multi-point video meeting with screen sharing and collaborative tools.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun, but can be used as a modifier (e.g., teleconferencing facilities). It emphasizes the *technology-enabled process* of remote conferencing, distinct from simply 'calling someone'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically. British English might historically have shown a slight preference for 'video conferencing' for video-specific meetings, but 'teleconferencing' as an umbrella term is standard in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can connote formality, business, and technical infrastructure. Slightly more formal than 'video call' or 'conference call'.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. The rise of terms like 'Zoom meeting' or 'video call' in everyday parlance has made 'teleconferencing' sound somewhat more corporate/technical in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The company uses [OBJECT] for teleconferencing.We conducted the meeting [PREP PHRASE] via teleconferencing.Teleconferencing allows [SUBJECT] to [VERB].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Related: 'meet over the wire', 'connect virtually'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Standard term for formal remote meetings between offices, clients, or partners. 'The board will conduct its quarterly review via teleconferencing.'
Academic
Used for remote lectures, thesis defenses, or international research collaboration. 'The symposium will be a hybrid event with in-person and teleconferencing options.'
Everyday
Less common; simpler terms like 'video call' or 'Zoom' are preferred. 'We used teleconferencing to include grandma in the birthday party' sounds overly formal.
Technical
Precise term in IT, telecommunications, and AV fields, specifying the integration of audio, video, and data networks for real-time communication.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The teams are teleconferencing to finalise the project timeline.
- We'll be teleconferencing with the Singapore office at 3 pm.
American English
- The departments are teleconferencing to finalize the budget.
- We'll teleconference with the London team tomorrow.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The teleconferencing suite was booked all morning.
- We need to upgrade our teleconferencing capabilities.
American English
- They installed a new teleconferencing system in the boardroom.
- Teleconferencing equipment has become more affordable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dad uses teleconferencing for work.
- We saw our family on teleconferencing.
- The manager suggested using teleconferencing for the meeting with our German partners.
- Good internet is important for clear teleconferencing.
- To reduce travel costs, the company has implemented a policy of conducting routine updates via teleconferencing.
- The teleconferencing software allows for simultaneous screen sharing and breakout rooms.
- Advances in high-definition teleconferencing have rendered some business travel virtually obsolete.
- The diplomatic negotiations were conducted through a secure, encrypted teleconferencing link.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TELEphone + CONFERENCE + -ING = communicating over distance in a conference setting.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEETING IS A CONNECTION / A VIRTUAL SPACE. (e.g., 'bridge locations', 'enter the meeting room', 'gather in a virtual space').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'телемост' (telemost/'tele-bridge'), which is more specific. 'Телеконференция' (telekonferentsiya) is the direct equivalent but is also formal.
- Do not confuse with 'видеосвязь' (videosvyaz) which is 'video link/connection', a broader term.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun incorrectly: 'We had a teleconferencing' (incorrect) vs. 'We had a teleconference' or 'We used teleconferencing' (correct).
- Misspelling as 'teleconfering' or 'teleconferincing'.
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'call' or 'chat' suffices.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely context for the word 'teleconferencing'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'conference call' traditionally refers to an audio-only multi-party phone call. 'Teleconferencing' is a broader term that encompasses audio, video, and data sharing, though it is sometimes used interchangeably with 'video conferencing'.
Yes, though it's less common than the noun form. You can say 'We will teleconference at noon' or 'They are teleconferencing'. The verb 'to teleconference' is accepted, especially in business contexts.
They are very similar. 'Teleconferencing' is an older term focusing on the telecommunications aspect, while 'web conferencing' specifically implies the use of internet protocols (the web) as the medium. In modern usage, they largely overlap.
Yes, it is considered formal or technical. In casual conversation, people are more likely to say 'video call', 'Zoom meeting', or simply 'call', even if the technology involved is technically teleconferencing.