What does meeting mean?
A meeting is an occasion when people come together to exchange information, discuss a question, or make decisions. It may be as informal as a chance encounter between two friends or as structured as a board meeting with an agenda, minutes, and a formal vote. The word can also refer to the group itself: a committee may hold a meeting, make a decision at a meeting, or adjourn a meeting. In another sense, “meeting” means the act of encountering someone or something. As a verb, it means to come into contact with a person, group, requirement, or standard, as in “meeting a deadline” or “meeting expectations.” These related meanings reflect the word’s long history: it derives from the same Germanic root associated with encountering, assembling, and coming together. In modern usage, “meeting” is especially associated with organized discussion and decision-making, while less formal contexts may use it for any planned rendezvous.
An occasion when people come together to discuss matters, conduct business, or make decisions; also a gathering or assembly of people.
"Staff members raised several concerns during the meeting."
The countable noun “meeting” refers to a particular gathering or occasion; “at a meeting” and “hold a meeting” are common patterns.
To come together with a person, group, or thing; to encounter or satisfy a requirement, expectation, or need.
"The revised design meets all accessibility requirements."
This is the present participle of “meet” and can function independently before a noun, as in “meeting a deadline.”
Use “meetings” for separate gatherings or occasions. The plural can also refer collectively to multiple organized groups, as in “the meetings were cancelled.”
"The department holds weekly meetings with senior staff."
One word can mean both the gathering itself and the group that meets: a meeting begins, a meeting votes, and a meeting can even be adjourned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does meeting come from?
The word comes from Old English mētan, meaning “to come into contact with” or “to meet,” which developed into the modern verb “meet” and its noun “meeting.” Old English mētan was related to Proto-Germanic *mōtijaną, a root also reflected in cognates such as German begegnen and Swedish möta. The same Germanic family also produced “moot,” originally associated with an assembly or council.
Related word forms
How meeting is actually used
As a noun, “meeting” commonly denotes a formal or scheduled gathering but can also refer to an informal encounter. As a verb, it is the present participle of “meet” and is often used before a noun, as in “the meeting date.”
Easily confused with meeting
A meeting is a planned or accidental encounter or gathering, whereas mating is the biological process or social practice of producing offspring.