convert

1 of 2

verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt How to pronounce convert (audio)
converted; converting; converts

transitive verb

1
a
: to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another
They tried to convert us to their way of thinking.
b
: to bring about a religious conversion in
The missionaries converted the native people to Christianity.
2
a
: to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of especially in manufacturing
converting starch into dextrose
b(1)
: to change from one form or function to another
converted the attic into a bedroom
(2)
: to alter for more effective utilization
convert a coal furnace to oil
(3)
: to appropriate without right
c
: to exchange for an equivalent
convert foreign currency into dollars
convert a bond
3
obsolete : turn
4
: to subject to logical conversion
5
a
: to make a goal after receiving (a pass) from a teammate
b
: to score on (an attempt, such as a try for point or free throw)
c
: to make (a spare) in bowling

intransitive verb

1
: to undergo conversion
He converted to Islam.
2
: to succeed in an attempt for a point, field goal, or free throw

convert

2 of 2

noun

con·​vert ˈkän-ˌvərt How to pronounce convert (audio)
: one that is converted
a convert to Christianity
Choose the Right Synonym for convert

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing.

transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

Examples of convert in a Sentence

Verb They tried for two points but could not convert. They had many chances to score but they couldn't convert their opportunities. They had chances to score but couldn't convert. Noun I didn't think I'd like paying my bills online, but now I'm a convert. the converts were the most vocal and fervent worshippers in the church
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Instead of humiliating defeated wartime enemies Germany and Japan, whose countries lay in ruin, the United States led a massive multibillion-dollar economic recovery program and helped convert totalitarian societies into prosperous democracies. Bernie Sanders, Foreign Affairs, 18 Mar. 2024 Finally, Dot takes us to a school bus she’s converted into a thrift store. Jonah Gercke, SPIN, 15 Mar. 2024 His administration has increased the number of shelters, converted hotels to shelters and opened tent dormitories to house the 65,000 migrants still under the city’s care, 22 percent of whom are single adults or adult families without children, according to city officials. Luis Ferré-Sadurní, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 His team was ahead by five points after shooting 57.1%, with Wood converting four of his five attempts from long range on the way to 14 points. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Microsoft is now planning to remove the Microsoft Teams (free) app in the future and convert everyone to this single app which will just be Microsoft Teams. Tom Warren, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 Plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, and according to a 1989 NASA study, certain houseplants can reduce toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 13 Mar. 2024 The device sticks to the throat, converting the person’s throat muscle maneuvers into electrical signals. Lizzy Lawrence, STAT, 12 Mar. 2024 In a fateful turn of events, the auditorium was leased by William Fox’s production company and converted into one of the most distinctive theaters of all time. Steven Satterfield, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024
Noun
So too were many of the Native American converts who were forced into labor in the missions, but often in unmarked and even mass graves. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 Photo : Patrick Ketchum The poolside hookah lounge converts to an alfresco movie theater. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024 At the end of a Competitive Year, any remaining balance of Competitive Points converts to Legacy Competitive Points. Kris Holt, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Over the years, bitcoin evangelists have won key converts in tech and finance—from Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey to Larry Fink and Ray Dalio. Sam Lyman, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Originating in Egypt in the 11th century, the religious sect is an offshoot of Islam which permits no converts – either to or from the religion – and no intermarriage. Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024 Father Moisés learned that the pastor had just taken 18 village converts with him to visit a distant evangelical church. Bishop Sand, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2024 But this winner accepts only converts, smiling behind him on the podium like bobblehead dolls. Nr Editors, National Review, 26 Jan. 2024 One surprising co-sponsor of Friday’s fund-raiser was Rick Caruso, a billionaire and recent Democratic convert who lost his bid for mayor of Los Angeles last year. Anjali Huynh, New York Times, 10 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'convert.' 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

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, transform, convert, from com- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of convert was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near convert

Cite this Entry

“Convert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convert. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

convert

1 of 2 verb
con·​vert kən-ˈvərt How to pronounce convert (audio)
1
: to change from one belief, view, or party to another
2
a
: to change from one substance, form, use, or unit to another
convert pounds to grams
b
: to exchange for something equal in value
convert francs into dollars
converter noun

convert

2 of 2 noun
con·​vert ˈkän-ˌvərt How to pronounce convert (audio)
: a person who has been converted

Legal Definition

convert

transitive verb
con·​vert kən-ˈvərt How to pronounce convert (audio)
1
a
: to change from one form or use to another
b
: to exchange (property) for another especially of a different kind
if property…is compulsorily or involuntarily convertedInternal Revenue Code
especially : to exercise the right of conversion by exchanging (preferred shares or bonds) for common stock
2
: to appropriate (another's property) by conversion
the bailee converted the goods to his own use
see also embezzle
converter noun
convertible adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on convert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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