conference Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)
  2. noun an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
    league.
  3. noun a discussion among participants who have an agreed (serious) topic
    group discussion.

WordNet

Con"fer*ence noun
Etymology
F. conférence. See Confer.
Definitions
  1. The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison. Obs.
    Helps and furtherances which . . . the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford. Hocker.
  2. The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.
    Nor with such free and friendly conference As he hath used of old. Shak.
  3. A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of opinions.
  4. A meeting of the two branches of a legislature, by their committees, to adjust between them.
  5. (Methodist Church) A stated meeting of preachers and others, invested with authority to take cognizance of ecclesiastical matters.
  6. A voluntary association of Congregational churches of a district; the district in which such churches are.

Webster 1913