Forum

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈfɔːɹəm/
• Rhymes: -ɔːɹəm
• Hyphenation: fo + rum

Alternative forms

• 4m Internet leet

Origin

From Latin forum ("public market place”, “forum").

Full definition of forum

Noun

1. A place for discussion.
2. A gathering for the purpose of discussion.
3. A form of discussion involving a panel of presenters and often participation by members of the audience.
4. (Internet) An Internet message board where users can post messages regarding one or more topics of discussion.Trish was an admin member on three forums, and had no trouble at all when it came to moderating them.
5. (in a Roman town) a square or marketplace used for public business and commerce.

Usage notes

The English plural forums is preferred to the Latin plural fora in normal English usage.

Ref: Modern English Usage, 2nd Edition, ed. Sir Ernest Gowers, Oxford 1968 (article '-um', p.658).

Also, "The Oxford Dictionary of American Usage and Style," by Bryan A. Garner. Berkley Books, 2000, (p. 156).

Related terms

• conforaneous rare