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verb

adjourn

uh-JURN

Adjourn (verb) means to pause or end a meeting, trial, or event, often to resume it later. Example: “The judge adjourned the hearing until the following Monday.”

verb
1
To pause or end a meeting, trial, or event, often to resume it later.
"The judge adjourned the hearing until the following Monday."
"After three hours of debate, the committee agreed to adjourn."
2
To move as a group to another place, especially informally.
"Once the toast was finished, everyone adjourned to the garden."

How to use adjourn

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo break off a meeting or session, usually with the plan to continue it another time.

Common pairings
adjourn a meeting adjourn until court is adjourned

Word forms

adjourned past tense, adjourns singular

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The judge _____ the hearing until the following Monday.

Etymology

From Old French ajourner, from the phrase a jour (nomé), "to a (named) day" — the idea of setting a new date to continue.

Origin: Old French

Related words

Rhymes for adjourn

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Frequently asked questions

What does “adjourn” mean?

The word “adjourn” means to pause or end a meeting, trial, or event, often to resume it later. In plain terms, to break off a meeting or session, usually with the plan to continue it another time.

How do you pronounce “adjourn”?

“Adjourn” is pronounced uh-JURN (/əˈd͡ʒɝn/ in IPA).

How do you use “adjourn” in a sentence?

Here is “adjourn” used in a sentence: “The judge adjourned the hearing until the following Monday.”

What part of speech is “adjourn”?

“Adjourn” is a verb.

Where does the word “adjourn” come from?

The word “adjourn” comes from Old French. From Old French ajourner, from the phrase a jour (nomé), "to a (named) day" — the idea of setting a new date to continue.

How many meanings does “adjourn” have?

“Adjourn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pause or end a meeting, trial, or event, often to resume it later.

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