conclave
/ˈkɑnkleɪv/
noun
- A private or secret meeting of a group of people, especially for making important decisions.
- The leaders met in a conclave to negotiate the peace treaty.
- A conclave of scientists gathered to share their latest research.
- The board of directors held a conclave to discuss the company's future.
- A meeting of cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church to elect a new pope.
- The conclave lasted several days before a new pope was announced.
- Smoke from the conclave chimney signals whether a pope has been elected.
- The cardinals entered the Sistine Chapel for the conclave to choose the next pope.