Definition

Noun: A meeting or conference held between participants who are in separate locations, facilitated by telecommunications technology such as audio, video, or computer systems.

Usage

A "teleconference" is a formal or semi-formal meeting conducted remotely. It is used to describe the event itself, not the technology. The word emphasizes the multi-location nature of the gathering. - The most common use is for business meetings, project updates, or team collaborations where participants cannot be physically present in the same room. - It can also be used for educational seminars, medical consultations, or any organized discussion requiring real-time communication over distance.

Examples

• The board held a teleconference to discuss the quarterly results with international branch managers.
• Due to travel restrictions, the training session was conducted as a teleconference.
• We are scheduling a teleconference for 3 PM GMT to finalize the proposal.

Advanced Usage

• "To teleconference" (verb, less common): The act of participating in a teleconference.
  • Example: The team teleconferences every Monday morning.
• "Teleconferencing" (gerund/noun): The activity or technology of holding teleconferences.
  • Example: Teleconferencing has become essential for global companies.

Variants and Related Words

• Videoconference (noun): A specific type of teleconference that includes live video transmission of participants.
• Audioconference (noun): A teleconference conducted using voice-only technology, like a conference call.
• Webinar (noun): A seminar conducted over the internet, often a one-to-many format, which is a specific kind of teleconference.

Synonyms

• Remote meeting
• Virtual conference
• Online meeting

Antonyms

• In-person meeting
• Face-to-face conference

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "To be on a teleconference": To be currently participating in one.
  • Example: Please be quiet; I'm on a teleconference.
• "To set up a teleconference": To organize and initiate the technical connection for the meeting.
  • Example: IT will set up the teleconference for the client call.

Noun

1. a conference of people who are in different locations that is made possible by the use of such telecommunications equipment as closed-circuit television