convergence

noun

con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce convergence (audio)
1
: the act of converging and especially moving toward union or uniformity
the convergence of the three rivers
especially : coordinated movement of the two eyes so that the image of a single point is formed on corresponding retinal areas
2
: the state or property of being convergent
3
a
evolutionary biology : independent development of similar traits or features (as of body structure or behavior) in unrelated or distantly related species or lineages : convergent evolution
The second mechanism, also well established, is convergence—in which separate organisms, such as birds and bats, independently develop a similar trait or behavior (wings, say) even though they did not inherit that structure from a common ancestor.Ann Gibbons
b
: the independent development of similarities between separate cultures
Indo-Europeanists often find it difficult to know whether they have to deal with cultural characteristics that have been borrowed or inherited, or are the product merely of a convergenceBoris Oguibénine
4
: the merging of distinct technologies, industries, or devices into a unified whole
… offers a variety of services related to the convergence of the Internet and mobile phones.Rob Walker

Examples of convergence in a Sentence

the convergence of the city's major arteries on a single rotary
Recent Examples on the Web The festival, set for June 2-7, 2025, in Shoreditch, seeks to differentiate itself through its emphasis on creative convergence. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024 Zelensky unveils ‘Victory Plan’ after failing to drum up additional support from allies That’s nothing new for the group, which held its first summit of Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009 as a convergence of key emerging markets before expanding the following year to include South Africa. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024 Even more tellingly is the apparent evidence that the powers-that-be who purvey mainstream news coverage much rather would hire a dedicated Taylor Swift reporter, not to mention make AI its own beat, at the expense of hiring someone to cover the convergences of disability and tech. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024 Since then, the weekender celebrating the convergence of style, sneakers, pop culture, music, art, food, innovation and the creative minds shaping those trends has traversed the globe with conventions in Chicago (2019) and Hong Kong (2024). Melinda Sheckells, Billboard, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convergence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'convergence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see converge

First Known Use

1670, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of convergence was in 1670

Dictionary Entries Near convergence

Cite this Entry

“Convergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convergence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

convergence

noun
con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce convergence (audio)
: the act or condition of converging

Medical Definition

convergence

noun
con·​ver·​gence kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s How to pronounce convergence (audio)
1
: an embryonic movement that involves streaming of material from the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the gastrula toward the blastopore and concurrent shifting of lateral materials toward the middorsal line and that is a process fundamental to the establishment of the germ layers
2
: independent development of similar characters (as of body structure in whales and fishes) by animals or plants of different groups that is often associated with similarity of habits or environment
3
: movement of the two eyes so coordinated that the images of a single point fall on corresponding points of the two retinas
4
: overlapping synaptic innervation of a single cell by more than one nerve fiber compare divergence sense 2
converge verb
converged; converging
convergent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on convergence

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