Conventional Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

1

always used before a noun

a

:

used and accepted by most people

:

usual or traditional

• The number sign is the conventional symbol for labeling something measured in pounds.
• Today, many patients seek healing through both alternative medicine and conventional medicine. [=the usual methods of healing or treating disease that are taught in Western medical schools]

b

:

of a kind that has been around for a long time and is considered to be usual or typical

• While microwaves heat up food more quickly, most food tastes better when it is cooked in a conventional oven.

2

[more conventional; most conventional]

:

common and ordinary

:

not unusual

• Most of her books are conventional detective stories.
• His views on dating are more conventional than those of some of his friends.

3

always used before a noun

:

not nuclear

• conventional weapons
• conventional forces/warfare/war