English Reference

Word

forum

Phoneticsfo·rum, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈfɔɹəm/

UK/fˈɔːɹəm/

Definitions

01internet message board

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. a website or section of a site where people can post messages and discuss specific topics.

n. an online platform or message board facilitating asynchronous discussion through posted threads and replies.

“I found a helpful answer to my computer problem on a tech forum.”

“The developer community maintains an active forum where users can report bugs and suggest new features for the open-source project.”

Synonyms

message boardcommunity

02place for public discussion

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a situation or meeting where people can talk about important subjects and share opinions.

n. a medium or public meeting place for open discussion or the expression of ideas.

“The town hall meeting provided a forum for citizens to voice their concerns.”

“The international conference serves as a vital forum for scientists to debate the ethical implications of genetic engineering.”

03ancient Roman marketplace

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

n. the central square or marketplace in an ancient Roman city used for public business.

n. the public square or marketplace of an ancient Roman city, serving as the centre of judicial and public business.

“We visited the ruins of the Roman Forum during our trip to Italy.”

“Archaeologists discovered several new inscriptions while excavating the forum of the provincial Roman capital.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “forum” in context.

Verb

01. moderate a forum

“It is difficult to moderate a forum when there are thousands of active users.”

verb + noun

02. post on a forum

“If you have technical issues, you should post on the support forum for help.”

verb + prep + noun

03. provide a forum

“The conference aims to provide a forum for scientists to share their latest research.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. discussion forum

“Students are required to participate in the weekly discussion forum as part of their grade.”

adj + noun

05. online forum

“I found a solution to my computer problem on an online forum.”

adj + noun

06. public forum

“The town hall meeting served as a public forum for local residents to voice their concerns.”

adj + noun

Preposition

07. in a forum

“These sensitive issues are best discussed in a forum where everyone feels safe.”

prep + noun

Usage

The plural can be either 'forums' or the more formal 'fora'.

Real-World Examples

“He had read about it in the news and on Reddit forums.”
The Guardian 31 Aug 2026
“If people are discussing someone’s body on social media: Experts say it’s best not to comment in these public forums.”
The Guardian 25 Aug 2026

Stories

Rome the City · See all Roman origin

The roads, the Forum, and the city that took centuries to build.

all roads lead to Rome — Different paths can take one to the same goal.

Rome wasn't built in a day — It takes a long time to create something complicated or impressive.

when in Rome, do as the Romans do — It is wise to adapt to the circumstances; it is wise to follow common custom.

vox populi — The opinion of ordinary people, taken as a verdict.

Domain

Internet

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

QR code

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English Reference