Definition

1. Noun:
   • A course offered for a small group of advanced students: A seminar is an academic class or meeting where a small group of students engages in intensive study, research, and discussion on a specific topic under the guidance of a professor or expert.
   • Any meeting for an exchange of ideas: A seminar can also refer to a conference or organized meeting where people gather to discuss and exchange information, ideas, and knowledge on a particular subject.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She is taking a graduate seminar on medieval literature this semester. (She is enrolled in an advanced, discussion-based class for a small group of students.)
  • The company hosted a seminar on digital marketing strategies for its employees. (The company organized a meeting for the exchange of ideas and training on that topic.)

Advanced Usage

• To conduct/hold a seminar: To organize and lead a seminar.
  • The university will conduct a seminar on climate change next week.
• Seminar series: A sequence of related seminars held over a period of time.
  • The department's seminar series this year focuses on artificial intelligence ethics.
• Seminar room: A room specifically designed or used for holding seminars.
  • Please go to seminar room 301 for the discussion.

Variants and Related Words

• Seminarian (noun): A student training for the priesthood in a seminary. (Note: This is a distinct word from 'seminar' and is related to religious training schools.)
• Seminary (noun): A college that prepares students to be priests, ministers, or rabbis. (Note: This is a different but related word, referring to an institution, not a single meeting or class.)

Synonyms

• Colloquium: A usually academic conference or seminar.
• Workshop: A brief, intensive educational program focusing on techniques and skills in a particular field.
• Symposium: A formal meeting at which several specialists deliver short addresses on a topic or on related topics.
• Discussion group: A group that meets to discuss a shared topic of interest.

Related Phrases

• Graduate seminar: A seminar typically for students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.
• Research seminar: A seminar focused on presenting and discussing ongoing research.
• Professional development seminar: A seminar aimed at improving skills and knowledge in a professional field.

Noun

1. a course offered for a small group of advanced students
2. any meeting for an exchange of ideas