gathering, meeting, session [noun] [de <bij><een><komst>, de bijeenkomsten]

The word "bijeenkomst" consists of the following parts:
– "bij": to.
– "een": one.
– "komst": coming, arrival.

The word "bijeen" then translates to "together", so "bijeenkomst" literally means "together-coming", which of course explains the link to "gathering", "meeting" and "session".
Although two people can get together, the word "bijeenkomst" is more commonly used when a bigger group of people is involved.

Examples:
– "Het genootschap hield ieder weekend een geheime bijeenkomst."
(" The fellowship held a secret meeting every weekend.")

– "De directeur heeft ons officieel uitgenodigd voor de nieuwjaarsbijeenkomst op 2 januari."
("The CEO has officially invited us to the New Year’s gathering/reception on January 2nd.")

– "Een borrel is een informele sociale bijeenkomst waarbij mensen iets drinken."
("A ‘borrel’ is an informal social gathering at which people drink (something)." See also "DWOTD 102. Kerstborrel".)

Related words:
– "Bijeenkomen": to meet, to gather, to get together (formally).
– "Afspreken": to get together (informally).
– "Vergadering": meeting.
– "Receptie": reception.