convergence
noun
con·ver·gence
kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s 
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
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 convergence …—Boris Oguibénine
Boris Oguibénine4
: 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
Rob WalkerExamples of convergence in a Sentence
the convergence of the city's major arteries on a single rotary
Recent Examples on the Web
This convergence is expected to streamline operations and unlock new levels of automation and data insight.
—Carl Moberg, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Myanmar sits on a very active convergence of four tectonic plates: the Eurasian plate, the Indian plate, the Sunda plate, and the Burma microplate.
—Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025
This convergence of consumer pressure and regulatory scrutiny is driving a critical need for evidence of ethical and responsible practices throughout the textile supply chain.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025
There has indeed been a fair degree of convergence—just not in the way American policymakers predicted.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for convergence
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Carl Moberg, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Myanmar sits on a very active convergence of four tectonic plates: the Eurasian plate, the Indian plate, the Sunda plate, and the Burma microplate.
—Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 3 Apr. 2025
This convergence of consumer pressure and regulatory scrutiny is driving a critical need for evidence of ethical and responsible practices throughout the textile supply chain.
—Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2025
There has indeed been a fair degree of convergence—just not in the way American policymakers predicted.
—Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for convergence
Cite this Entry
“Convergence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convergence. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
convergence
noun
con·ver·gence
kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s
: the act or condition of converging
Medical Definition
convergence
noun
con·ver·gence
kən-ˈvər-jən(t)s
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
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