seminar

UK: /ˈsɛmɪnɑː^r/ US: /ˈsɛməˌnɑr/ ,(sem′ə när′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

sem•i•nar /ˈsɛməˌnɑr/   n. [countable]

1. Education a group of advanced students doing original research under the guidance of a faculty member.
2. Education a course or subject of study for such students.
3. any meeting for exchanging information:
   a seminar on writing classes.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

sem•i•nar  (sem′ə när′), n. 

1. Education a small group of students, as in a university, engaged in advanced study and original research under a member of the faculty and meeting regularly to exchange information and hold discussions.
2. Education the gathering place of such a group.
3. Education a meeting of such a group.
4. Education a course or subject of study for advanced graduate students.
5. any meeting for exchanging information and holding discussions.

• Latin sēminārium seminary
• German
• 1885–90, American.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

seminar / ˈsɛmɪˌnɑː/ noun

1. a small group of students meeting regularly under the guidance of a tutor, professor, etc, to exchange information, discuss theories, etc
2. one such meeting or the place in which it is held
3. a higher course for postgraduates
4. any group or meeting for holding discussions or exchanging information

Etymology: 19th Century: via German from Latin sēminārium seminary