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
Advertising can drive traffic, but without a strong brand and a reliable back end, that traffic is less likely to convert into long-term customers. Spencer Williams, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Denver’s struggles on third down are real The Broncos converted a relatively modest 4 of 11 third-down tries against New Orleans on Thursday night. Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2024
Noun
But here are some other, less obvious findings: Landline holdouts are more likely than wireless converts to own a home. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 10 Oct. 2024 Best Buildable Coverage: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush 6/10 Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush $46 $39 Nordstrom Laura Mercier's foundation brush turned Glamour contributor Holly Carter into a convert. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convert 

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 4 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!