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Flocking: meaning, definitions and examples

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flocking

 

[ ˈflɒkɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

group behavior

Flocking refers to the behavior of a group of animals that move together in a coordinated manner. This phenomenon is commonly observed in birds, fish, and some mammals, where individuals follow a leader or mimic the movements of others in the group. Flocking can help animals find food, evade predators, and enhance social interactions.

Synonyms

gathering, herding, swarming

Examples of usage

  • The flocking of birds created beautiful patterns in the sky.
  • Flocking behavior helps fish evade predators.
  • Geese are known for their seasonal flocking during migrations.
Context #2 | Verb

movement together

To flock means to gather together in a group or to move in a coordinated manner. This term is often used to describe how animals congregate, but it can also refer to people gathering for a common purpose. Flocking behavior is driven by instinct or social interactions.

Synonyms

congregate, gather, swarm

Examples of usage

  • Many people flock to the beach during summer.
  • The students flocked to the library before exams.
  • Animal lovers always flock to the pet adoption event.

Translations

Translations of the word "flocking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reunião

🇮🇳 झुंड बनाना

🇩🇪 Schwarmbildung

🇮🇩 berkumpul

🇺🇦 згуртування

🇵🇱 gromadzenie

🇯🇵 群れをなす

🇫🇷 attroupement

🇪🇸 reunión

🇹🇷 gruplaşma

🇰🇷 떼짓기

🇸🇦 تجمع

🇨🇿 shromáždění

🇸🇰 zhromažďovanie

🇨🇳 聚集

🇸🇮 združevanje

🇮🇸 hópur

🇰🇿 жиын

🇬🇪 კომპანია

🇦🇿 toplanma

🇲🇽 reunión

Etymology

The term 'flocking' originates from the Old English word 'floc', which means a group or band, particularly of animals. The concept of flocking has been studied in animals for centuries, with early observations made by naturalists regarding the social behavior of birds. The behavior was formally described in the mid-20th century when scientists began to develop models to explain the dynamics of group movement among various species. Since then, flocking has been a subject of interest not only in biology but also in computer science for simulating group behavior in artificial agents. The emergence of terms like 'swarm intelligence' further indicates the relevance of flocking phenomena in understanding both natural and artificial systems.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,804, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.