1. a private meeting or secret assembly
2. the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope
Usage: religious

Examples

• The board held a conclave to discuss the merger.
• After hours of debate, the conclave reached a decision.
• The cardinals entered the conclave to elect the new pope.
• White smoke from the conclave signaled a successful papal election.
• The secret conclave lasted three days.
• Political leaders gathered in conclave to negotiate the treaty.