Swarm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swarm

[swɔːm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

of bees

A large number of insects or other small organisms, especially when in motion.

Synonyms

flock, herd, horde, throng.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swarm	Used to describe a large group of insects, especially bees or other flying insects moving together. A swarm of bees surrounded the honeycomb. Locusts swarmed across the field, destroying crops.
flock	Appropriate for a group of birds, and sometimes used for sheep or goats. Can also be used metaphorically for people, often in a gentle or neutral sense. A flock of geese flew over the lake. The pastor addressed his flock during Sunday service.
herd	Mainly refers to large groups of mammals, such as cows, elephants, or deer. It can also be used metaphorically to describe people, sometimes with a negative connotation implying a lack of individuality. The rancher guided the herd of cattle across the prairie. The tourists moved through the museum like a herd of animals.
horde	Often used to describe a large group of people, especially when they are moving quickly or seem unruly. It carries a negative connotation. A horde of fans rushed the stage after the concert. The invaders arrived in hordes, overwhelming the city's defenses.
throng	Refers to a densely packed group of people or animals, and can be used in both neutral and somewhat negative contexts, depending on the situation. A throng of shoppers crowded the mall during the holiday sale. The celebrity was surrounded by a throng of admirers.

Examples of usage

The field was alive with a swarm of bees.
A swarm of mosquitoes descended upon the campsite.
The bees formed a dense swarm as they moved towards the hive.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

of bees

Move somewhere in large numbers.

Synonyms

congregate, flock, gather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
swarm	Used to describe a large number of insects or people moving together. Often has a sense of being overwhelming or chaotic. A swarm of bees surrounded the picnic area. Fans swarmed the stage after the concert.
flock	Typically used for groups of birds or sheep. Can also describe people gathering in a casual, informal manner. A flock of birds flew over the lake at sunset. Tourists flocked to the beach during the summer.
gather	Can describe people or things coming together in a group, generally in a neutral or positive way. Used in both formal and informal contexts. Family members gather for the holiday celebration. Students gathered in the park after class.
congregate	Refers to people or animals coming together in a planned or organized manner, usually for a specific purpose. People congregate at the town hall for the council meeting. Birds congregate by the river during migration.

Examples of usage

Bees swarmed out of the hive in search of nectar.
The tourists swarmed onto the beach as soon as the sun came out.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

Swarming is a survival strategy for many insects, helping them migrate or escape predators efficiently.
Honeybees swarm when the colony grows too large, as a way to create new hives and ensure the species continues.
Certain species of fish, like sardines, also exhibit swarming behavior to confuse predators.

Technology

Swarm robotics is an area of study where multiple autonomous robots work together, inspired by natural swarming observed in insects.
Algorithms mimicking insect swarming behavior are used in computer science for solving complex problems more efficiently.
In 2016, researchers developed drone swarms that can perform coordinated tasks, showing how this concept transcends natural phenomena.

Pop Culture

Films and books often use the idea of a swarm as a metaphor for groupthink or mass hysteria, highlighting collective behavior.
The video game 'Swarm' features little blue creatures working together to solve puzzles, showcasing the fun side of swarming instincts.
Animated shows sometimes depict swarms for comedic effect, where characters navigate chaotic situations caused by numerous little beings.

Psychology

Swarm behavior can parallel human crowd dynamics where groups of people act collectively, sometimes leading to mob behavior.
Studies show that the presence of a crowd can influence individual actions, often resulting in decisions made differently than when alone.
The phenomenon of 'social swarming' can describe how people follow trends or popular opinions in society, mimicking animal behavior.

Origin of 'swarm'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'sweorm', which means a 'moving mass' or 'group'.
Related Old German term 'smerwa' also referred to a swarm of bees, showing early connections to nature.
In historical texts, the term was used to describe not just insects but any crowd or group moving rapidly.

The word 'swarm' originated from the Old English word 'swearm', which referred to a tumultuous or confused mass. Over time, it came to specifically describe a large number of insects or small organisms. The concept of a swarm has been observed in nature for centuries, with bees and other insects displaying this behavior as a means of protection, reproduction, or migration.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,577, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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12574 dost
12575 swallowing
12576 stillness
12577 swarm
12578 nominee
12579 prestigious
12580 narration
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