Forum — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈfȯr-əm/ fo·rum

Meaning & Definition of Forum

Forum (noun)

  1. the marketplace or public place of an ancient Roman city forming the center of judicial and public business
  2. a public meeting place for open discussion
  3. a medium (such as a newspaper or online service) of open discussion or expression of ideas

Forum (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a meeting featuring a group discussion

    "a public forum called to find out how residents felt about a large discount store being built in their neighborhood"

    similar: colloquy, conference, council, panel, panel discussion, parley, round-robin, roundtable, seminar, symposium
    related: colloquium, caucus, town meeting, assembly, conclave, congregation, congress, consistory, convention, convocation, synod, debate, deliberation, brainstorming, chat room, newsgroup

  2. a place or opportunity for communicating ideas and information

    "that Web site serves as a forum for movie buffs who are passionate about their likes and dislikes"

    similar: medium, outlet, platform, soapbox, venue
    related: channel, conduit, pipeline, showcase, stage

  3. an assembly of persons for the administration of justice

    "a jury may have acquitted Lizzie Borden, but she was guilty of murder in the forum of public opinion"

    similar: bar, bench, court, tribunal, court of law
    related: criminal court, judicatory, judicature, judiciary, high court, supreme court, court-martial, drumhead court-martial, inquisition, kangaroo court

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Forum

The most common words with a similar meaning to Forum:

colloquy, conference, council, panel, panel discussion, parley, round-robin, roundtable, seminar, symposium, medium, outlet, platform, soapbox, venue, bar, bench, court, tribunal, court of law

Related Words for Forum

colloquium, caucus, town meeting, assembly, conclave, congregation, congress, consistory, convention, convocation, synod, debate, deliberation, brainstorming, chat room, newsgroup, channel, conduit, pipeline, showcase, stage, criminal court, judicatory, judicature, judiciary, high court, supreme court, court-martial, drumhead court-martial, inquisition

Word Forms of Forum

Inflections: forums, fora

Origin & Etymology of Forum

Latin; akin to Latin foris outside, fores door door

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Forum

Frequently Asked Questions about Forum

What does "Forum" mean?

"Forum" means the marketplace or public place of an ancient Roman city forming the center of judicial and public business. As a noun, it is defined as: the marketplace or public place of an ancient Roman city forming the center of judicial and public business. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Forum"?

Other words for "Forum" include colloquy, conference, council, panel, panel discussion, parley, round-robin and roundtable. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Forum" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Forum"?

There are 51 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Forum". Common alternatives include colloquy, conference, council, panel, panel discussion, parley, round-robin, roundtable, seminar and symposium.

How do you use "Forum" in a sentence?

Examples of "Forum" in a sentence: "a public forum called to find out how residents felt about a large discount store being built in their neighborhood"; "that Web site serves as a forum for movie buffs who are passionate about their likes and dislikes"; "a jury may have acquitted Lizzie Borden, but she was guilty of murder in the forum of public opinion".

Is "Forum" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Forum" is a noun.

Is "Forum" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Forum" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Forum"?

"Forum" is pronounced /ˈfȯr-əm/ and divided into syllables as fo·rum.

What is the origin of the word "Forum"?

"Forum" comes from Latin; akin to Latin foris outside, fores door door. First known use: 15th century.