What does conclave mean?
A conclave is a private meeting or assembly held behind closed doors, typically to discuss sensitive matters or make an important decision. The word's best-known use refers to the gathering of Roman Catholic cardinals who convene — traditionally under lock and key — to elect a new pope. Beyond this religious context, 'conclave' is applied figuratively to any secretive or exclusive council: political strategists, corporate boards, and editorial teams are all said to meet 'in conclave' when they deliberate away from public view. The word derives from the Latin conclave, meaning 'a room that can be locked,' from cum ('together') and clavis ('key'), underscoring its original sense of seclusion. It carries connotations of secrecy, exclusivity, and gravity, and it appears most often in formal journalism, history, and religious commentary rather than casual conversation.
nounA private or secret meeting, especially of a group with a shared purpose; most specifically, the closed assembly of Roman Catholic cardinals convened to elect a new pope.
- A secret or private meeting or assembly, especially one held behind closed doors.
- Specifically, the closed gathering of Roman Catholic cardinals to elect a pope; by extension, the place where such a meeting is held.
"After days of deadlock, the conclave finally reached a decision behind locked doors."
"Party strategists met in conclave to plot their response to the sudden resignation."
"White smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel announced that the conclave had chosen a new pope."
The standard plural is 'conclaves'.
"Several conclaves have been held at Avignon throughout history."
The word 'conclave' literally means 'with a key' — cardinals are quite literally locked in until they choose the next pope.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conclave
Conclave comes from the Latin conclave, meaning 'a lockable room', formed from cum ('together') and clavis ('key'). The term entered English around the early 17th century via ecclesiastical Latin and medieval usage, originally referring specifically to the sealed apartments where cardinals were confined during a papal election. It shares its root with related words built on the Latin clavis, including enclave, clavicle, and autoclave.
How conclave is actually used
Often used attributively ('in conclave') without an article when referring to a deliberative body in session. The papal sense carries strong formal and historical weight; general senses may be slightly literary or journalistic.
Easily confused with conclave
An enclave is a territory wholly surrounded by another state, whereas a conclave is a private meeting or assembly.