What does synod mean?
A synod is a formal assembly or council, most commonly one that brings together members of a church to discuss matters affecting the church or a defined region. Synods may include clergy, bishops, lay representatives, or other delegates, and they commonly decide resolutions, policies, or administrative matters. The word can also be used more broadly for an organized deliberative body, especially when the participants have distinct representative roles. Its tone is formal and institutional, rather than casual. The term is especially associated with Christian denominations, where it may refer to a regional assembly or a national body such as a general synod. Etymologically, it comes from Greek synodos, formed from elements meaning “together” and “way,” conveying the idea of people coming together to proceed along a shared path.
nounA meeting or council of members of a church, especially one representing a particular region or church organization. In general usage, a synod can also refer to a formal deliberative assembly or council.
- A church council or representative assembly.
- A formal council or deliberative meeting, especially in a religious, political, or organizational context.
"The regional synod approved a resolution welcoming new congregations to the church."
"The synod debated how the denomination should respond to the report."
"At the international synod, representatives agreed on a common set of principles."
The plural is used for multiple church councils or assemblies, as well as multiple meetings of the same synod.
"Several regional synods submitted proposals to the national council."
The word synod literally means “going together” in Greek: syn- means “together,” and hodos means “way.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synod come from?
The English word comes from Latin synodus, a borrowing of Greek synodos, meaning “a meeting” or “assembly.” Greek synodos combines syn- (“together”) with hodos (“way,” “path”), reflecting people meeting and moving along a common course. Related Greek-derived English words include method and period, while exodus belongs to the same broad hodos family of “way” or “going out.”
Related word forms
How synod is actually used
The word is formal and especially common in descriptions of Christian churches and denominations, where a synod may be national, regional, diocesan, or otherwise defined by the organization concerned. In broader use, it often suggests an authoritative assembly with representatives gathered to deliberate.
Easily confused with synod
A synod is a church council or formal assembly, whereas a syndrome is a group of symptoms or features associated with a condition.