Horde: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to a large, often unorganized group of people, especially one that can cause trouble or seems overwhelming. It has a negative connotation.

• A horde of fans waited outside the concert hall
• A horde of locusts destroyed the crops

Used for a disorderly or violent group of people, often angry or intent on causing trouble. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The mob broke into the store and started looting
• An angry mob protested outside the court

Appropriate for a large number of people gathered together, typically close to each other, usually in a neutral or positive context.

• A large crowd gathered to watch the parade
• She pushed her way through the crowd to get a better view

Best used to describe a large number of people or things grouped together as a single entity, often in a neutral or impersonal manner.

• The mass of protestors filled the square
• A mass of data was collected during the experiment

Describes a large, densely packed crowd of people or animals, usually in a positive or neutral context.

• A throng of tourists visited the historical site
• People thronged the streets during the festival

Refers typically to a large group of people, often with a negative connotation, suggesting chaos or uncontrolled behavior.

• A horde of fans rushed towards the celebrity.
• The village was attacked by a horde of invaders.

Used mainly for a large group of insects, like bees or locusts, often implying overwhelming numbers and rapid movement.

• A swarm of bees surrounded the flowering tree.
• A swarm of locusts devoured the crops in minutes.

Commonly used for a group of large animals like cattle or elephants, indicating they move together.

• A herd of elephants was seen near the watering hole.
• The cowboy managed to steer the herd to safer ground.

Typically refers to a group of wild animals, especially canines like wolves, and can imply a sense of coordination.

• A pack of wolves hunted together in the forest.
• The dogs ran in a pack, chasing a rabbit.

Usually used for a group of birds or sometimes sheep, often indicating movement together.

• A flock of geese flew overhead.
• The shepherd carefully guided his flock through the field.