Convocate: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
October 12, 2026

1. Convocate (verb): To call together for a formal meeting or assembly.

The word "convocate" is a formal verb that refers to the act of gathering people, usually for a structured or official purpose. Though not commonly used in everyday speech, "convocate" appears in academic, religious, and organizational contexts, especially when referring to large assemblies or convocations.

"Convocate" Definition: What Does "Convocate" Mean?

"Convocate" is all about calling people together, especially in a formal way. It has a specific tone that fits official announcements and organized gatherings.

Definition of "Convocate": Call to Assemble

To "convocate" means to summon or bring people together for a formal meeting or event. This verb is often used in institutions like universities or churches when referring to the gathering of a council, synod, or graduating class.

Parts of Speech

"Convocate" is a verb. It is used to describe the action of calling or summoning a group to meet. The noun form, "convocation," is much more commonly used in modern English. While "convocate" itself is correct, it is somewhat archaic or formal and is often replaced by more common verbs like "convene" or "assemble."

How to Pronounce "Convocate"?

"Convocate" is a three-syllable word with emphasis on the first syllable.

Start with "CON," which sounds like the beginning of "conference." Follow with "vo," sounding like "vuh," and end with "cate," which rhymes with "gate."

Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈkɒn.vəˌkeɪt/

Synonyms of "Convocate": Other Ways to Say "Convocate"

While "convocate" has a specific tone, there are many other verbs that carry the same meaning in more common language.

  • Convene
  • Summon
  • Assemble
  • Call together
  • Gather
  • Mobilize
  • Meet
  • Organize
  • Congregate
  • Hold a meeting

Antonyms of "Convocate": Other Ways to Say "Convocate"

Here are some antonyms that describe separating people or preventing meetings.

  • Dismiss
  • Disband
  • Scatter
  • Disperse
  • Adjourn
  • Cancel
  • Break up
  • Postpone
  • Send away
  • Evacuate

Examples of "Convocate" in a Sentence

Here are ten examples to show how "convocate" can be used in different formal and semi-formal contexts.

  1. The board decided to convocate a special session to address the crisis.
  2. The university will convocate its faculty members for an emergency meeting.
  3. The council convocated the town’s leaders to discuss new zoning laws.
  4. The headmaster chose to convocate the students for a school-wide assembly.
  5. The elders were convocated by the tribe to settle the land dispute.
  6. In times of national emergency, leaders often convocate the legislature quickly.
  7. The mayor convocated a meeting of city officials to plan the festival.
  8. They convocated a panel of experts to review the new policy proposal.
  9. The bishop convocated a synod to address pressing theological matters.
  10. Organizers plan to convocate several nonprofits for a joint strategy session.

Frequency of Use

The word "convocate" is rarely used in modern English, especially compared to its more common synonym "convene." It is considered formal and is mostly found in older texts or official documents. Its noun form, "convocation," is much more common, especially in academic and ceremonial settings. According to Google’s Ngram Viewer, the verb "convocate" peaked in usage centuries ago and is now largely replaced by simpler terms in everyday language.

Variants of "Convocate"

Here are several forms and close relatives of the verb "convocate" that appear in different contexts.

  1. Convocated: Past tense form of the verb.
  2. Convocating: Present participle form.
  3. Convocation: A formal assembly, especially in a university or religious setting.
  4. Convocator: One who calls others to assemble (rare).

Related Terms to "Convocate"

Understanding related terms can help clarify how "convocate" fits into larger discussions about meetings and gatherings.

  1. Convene
  2. Assembly
  3. Convocation
  4. Summon
  5. Gathering
  6. Forum
  7. Conference
  8. Meet
  9. Council
  10. Session

Etymology: History and Origins of "Convocate"

The word "convocate" comes from the Latin word convocare, meaning "to call together." It combines "com-" meaning "together" and "vocare" meaning "to call." The term entered Middle English via Latin during the medieval period, largely in religious and academic contexts. It was used to describe the summoning of assemblies or councils. Over time, "convene" became the more dominant term in modern English, although "convocate" still survives in ceremonial and institutional language.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Convocate"

Here are some derivatives and related forms that originate from the same Latin root as "convocate."

  1. Convocation: The most widely used form, referring to the actual assembly or meeting.
  2. Convocator: A person who calls others to assemble.
  3. Convocational: Relating to a convocation (rare).
  4. Convocating body: A group or committee responsible for calling meetings.
  5. Re-convocate: To call a meeting again (uncommon).

Common Misspellings of "Convocate"

Here are some common spelling mistakes people might make when trying to write "convocate."

  1. Convacate
  2. Convecate
  3. Convokate
  4. Convikate
  5. Convacite

10 Idioms Similar to "Convocate"

Though "convocate" is formal, there are many idioms and expressions that suggest gathering or organizing people.

  1. Call a meeting
  2. Bring to the table
  3. Circle the wagons
  4. Call to order
  5. Get everyone on board
  6. Sound the alarm
  7. Call the shots
  8. Kick off the session
  9. Bring into session
  10. Gather the troops

10 Common Questions About "Convocate"

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the meaning and usage of "convocate."

1. What does "convocate" mean?

It means to call people together for a formal meeting or assembly.

2. Is "convocate" still used today?

Yes, but rarely. It is considered formal or old-fashioned and is often replaced by "convene."

3. What is the noun form of "convocate"?

The noun form is "convocation," which refers to the actual meeting or event.

4. Is "convocate" the same as "convene"?

They have similar meanings, but "convene" is far more common and modern in usage.

5. Can you use "convocate" in informal speech?

It’s possible, but it may sound overly formal or outdated in casual conversation.

6. Where is "convocate" used most often?

In academic, religious, or legal settings, especially when referring to organized meetings or councils.

7. Is "convocate" used internationally?

It is understood in English-speaking countries, but its use is uncommon and usually formal worldwide.

8. What’s a more common word for "convocate"?

"Convene" or "call together" are more familiar and widely used alternatives.

9. Can "convocate" be used in the past tense?

Yes. Example: “The board convocated a meeting last week.”

10. Is "convocate" in the dictionary?

Yes, though many dictionaries mark it as rare or formal. It is a legitimate English verb.

Conclusion

To "convocate" means to formally call a group together for a meeting or gathering. While the word is rarely used in modern conversation, it remains relevant in academic and ceremonial settings. Understanding words like "convocate" broadens your vocabulary—especially when reading older texts or formal documents. Keep exploring definitions to strengthen your language skills.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

U.S Dictionary is the premier dictionary about the English language as used in the United States of America.
Copyright © 2026 - U.S. Dictionary
Privacy Policy
magnifier