symposium

The word “symposium” means a formal meeting or conference where experts give presentations and discuss a topic. In plain terms, a conference or gathering, usually academic, where people present and discuss ideas.

“Symposium” is pronounced sihm-POH-zee-uhm (/sɪmˈpoʊziəm/ in IPA).

Here is “symposium” used in a sentence: “She presented her research at an international symposium on climate science.”

“Symposium” is a noun.

The word “symposium” comes from Ancient Greek. From Greek symposion, "drinking party," from syn- ("together") + pinein ("to drink") — ancient Greek gatherings for wine and philosophical discussion.

“Symposium” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Symposium” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal meeting or conference where experts give presentations and discuss a topic.

A symposium is typically a formal meeting focused on presentations and discussion of a specific topic by experts, often smaller and more focused than a general conference. A conference tends to be broader in scope, covering many topics or sessions across a field. Symposium also carries a more academic or scholarly connotation.

A symposium usually involves multiple experts presenting and discussing a shared topic before an audience, resembling a panel format. A seminar is often smaller and more interactive, centered on teaching or in-depth discussion led by one presenter or a small group. Symposium implies more formal, structured presentations.

Yes, symposium can also mean a published collection of essays or papers on a single subject written by different contributors, not just a live meeting. This usage is common in academic publishing, where a journal issue or book is described as a symposium on a particular theme.