Flock: meaning, definitions and examples

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flock

[flɒk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

of birds

A large group of birds, especially when gathered together for feeding or migration.

Synonyms

group, herd, pack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flock	Usually refers to a large group of birds or sheep. It can also describe a group of people with shared interests or characteristics. The shepherd guided his flock of sheep through the valley. A flock of birds flew over the lake.
group	A general term for any collection or assembly of people, animals, or things. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts. She joined a study group to prepare for her exams. They saw a group of dolphins swimming near the shore.
herd	Commonly used for larger mammals such as cattle, elephants, or deer. It emphasizes the collective behavior of animals grazing or moving together. The herd of elephants marched through the savannah. A herd of deer appeared at the edge of the forest.
pack	Typically describes a group of animals that hunt together, such as wolves or dogs. It can also refer to a group of people, often with a negative connotation of aggression or close-knit behavior. A pack of wolves howled in the distance. A pack of teenagers roamed the streets at night. (negative connotation)

Examples of usage

The sky was filled with a flock of geese flying south for the winter.
We observed a flock of seagulls feeding on the beach.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

of birds

To gather together in a group, especially for feeding or migration.

Synonyms

assemble, congregate, gather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flock	Specifically used for groups of animals, particularly birds or sheep, coming together. It can also describe people moving towards a place or event in large numbers with a somewhat informal tone. A flock of geese flew over the lake. Tourists flock to the city during the festival.
gather	A general term used in everyday language for any group of people or things coming together. It is more flexible and less formal than 'assemble' or 'congregate'. The family will gather for Thanksgiving dinner. He gathered his tools before starting the work.
congregate	Commonly used in a somewhat formal or clinical context, referring to people coming together in one place, often implying a gathering for social, religious, or public health reasons. Sometimes has a slightly negative connotation when referring to crowds that might be seen as a nuisance. The believers congregate at the church every Sunday. People started to congregate near the stage, causing some safety concerns.
assemble	Used in formal contexts, often referring to the organized gathering of people for a specific purpose, like meetings, projects, or ceremonies. The committee will assemble tomorrow to discuss the new policies. The students assembled in the auditorium for the presentation.

Examples of usage

The birds will flock together before starting their migration.
Robins tend to flock in the yard during the winter.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'flock' comes from the Old English word 'flocc', meaning a group of people or animals.
In some dialects, 'flock' also refers to a group of people, which shows its use beyond just animals.
This term has been used in the English language for over a thousand years, highlighting its deep roots.

Culture

In various cultures, flocks of birds are often seen as symbols of freedom and community.
The famous expression 'flock together' highlights the tendency of similar beings to gather, often used in social contexts.
In art and poetry, groups of birds or sheep often represent harmony and the beauty of nature.

Science

Birds in a flock can visually communicate to each other, which helps them navigate and avoid predators more effectively.
Studies have shown that animals in flocks can make collective decisions, demonstrating their social intelligence.
Certain species of fish also form flocks, referred to as schools, for protection against predators.

Psychology

The psychological concept of 'herd behavior' relates to how individuals in a group often mimic each other's actions, similar to how animals in a flock behave.
Being part of a flock can offer emotional support and reduce stress for individuals within a group.
Social connections formed in flocks can lead to increased safety and survival rates among members.

Literature

Flocks often appear in children's stories, symbolizing friendship and community, encouraging teamwork.
In classical poetry, flocks of birds are used as metaphors for fleeting moments and the passage of time.
Shakespeare uses flocks in his works to depict characters’ connections and societal structures.

Translations

Translations of the word "flock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bando

🇮🇳 झुंड

🇩🇪 Herde

🇮🇩 gerombolan

🇺🇦 зграя

🇵🇱 stado

🇯🇵 群れ

🇫🇷 troupeau

🇪🇸 manada

🇹🇷 sürü

🇰🇷 떼

🇸🇦 قطيع

🇨🇿 stádo

🇸🇰 stádo

🇨🇳 羊群

🇸🇮 čreda

🇮🇸 hópur

🇰🇿 отар

🇬🇪 ჯგუფი

🇦🇿 qoyun sürüsü

🇲🇽 manada

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,950 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
6947 pleading
6948 uncomfortable
6949 epidemic
6950 flock
6951 incredible
6952 updated
6953 convergence
...