noun

conclave

KONK-layv

Conclave (noun) means a private, closed meeting, especially the assembly of cardinals that elects a new pope. Example: “The cardinals gathered in conclave to choose the next pope.”

noun

A private, closed meeting, especially the assembly of cardinals that elects a new pope.

"The cardinals gathered in conclave to choose the next pope."

"The politicians held a secretive conclave to plan their strategy."

How to use conclave

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA private, closed-door meeting, especially the one that elects a new pope.

Common pairings

papal conclave hold a conclave a secret conclave

Word forms

conclaved past tense, conclaves plural, conclaves singular

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The cardinals gathered in _____ to choose the next pope.

Etymology

From Latin conclāve, "a room that can be locked" — from con- ("together") and clāvis ("key").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for conclave

ave gave save have wave cave nave pave rave fave Dave weave

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Frequently asked questions

What does “conclave” mean?

The word “conclave” means a private, closed meeting, especially the assembly of cardinals that elects a new pope. In plain terms, a private, closed-door meeting, especially the one that elects a new pope.

How do you pronounce “conclave”?

“Conclave” is pronounced KONK-layv (/ˈkɑnˌkleɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “conclave” in a sentence?

Here is “conclave” used in a sentence: “The cardinals gathered in conclave to choose the next pope.”

What part of speech is “conclave”?

“Conclave” is a noun.

Where does the word “conclave” come from?

The word “conclave” comes from Latin. From Latin conclāve, "a room that can be locked" — from con- ("together") and clāvis ("key").