Swarm: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.