meeting

/ˈmiːtɪŋ/
nounBeginner gathering of people for discussion
formal

an assembly of people for a common purpose, typically to discuss or decide something

The board of directors held an emergency meeting to address the crisis.

The board gathered urgently to discuss the crisis.

She missed the team meeting because she was sick.

She couldn't attend the team discussion due to illness.

💡

Often used in professional or organizational contexts.

informal

an encounter or confrontation, often unexpected or hostile

I had a meeting with my ex at the coffee shop.

I unexpectedly ran into my ex at the coffee shop.

💡

Informal usage implies an encounter, not necessarily a planned discussion.

Collocations

meeting rooma designated space for gatheringsmeeting agendaa list of topics to be discussedmeeting minutesa written record of what was discussed

Related Phrases

meet and greetphrase
a social event where people meet and interact
meeting of the mindsidiom
a mutual understanding or agreement

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'meeting' for planned discussions in professional settings, but be aware of its informal meaning as an encounter.

Gold Rule

Plural Form

The plural form is 'meetings', used for multiple gatherings.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'meetinge', from Old English 'meting', from 'metan' (to meet).

📝Usage Notes

In formal contexts, 'meeting' refers to planned discussions, while in informal contexts, it can imply an unexpected encounter.

Word Breakdown

meet
to come together
root
+
-ing
ongoing action or state
suffix
English Dictionary