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Flock Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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flock

[flษ’k ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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 charactersโ€™ connections and societal structures.

Origin of 'flock'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'flock' originated from Old English 'flocc', which meant a group or band of people or animals. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to specifically refer to a group of birds. Flocks of birds have long been observed by humans, leading to the development of terms to describe their behavior and movements.

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.