What does it mean to adjourn a meeting?

To adjourn a meeting means to close the meeting. When a meeting is adjourned, it signifies that all agenda items have been addressed and that the attendees are free to leave. This formal conclusion marks the end of the discussions and any further business. Typically, the chairperson or leader of the meeting will state, "I adjourn the meeting" to indicate that it has been officially closed. This action does not imply rescheduling or extending the meeting; rather, it is a definitive end to the gathering.