Flock: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.