Swarming: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a large number of people or animals moving together in a hectic or chaotic manner. Often associated with insects or a crowded situation.

• The bees were swarming around the hive.
• After the concert finished, fans were swarming the exits.

Generally used to convey that a place is full of life or activity, especially in a vibrant and abundant way.

• The forest teems with wildlife.
• The market was teeming with shoppers during the holiday season.

Describes a situation where the amount of something exceeds the capacity of its container, can be both literal and figurative.

• The bathtub overflowed, spilling water onto the floor.
• The meeting room overflowed with attendees.

Often used to describe a large crowd of people gathered closely together, emphasizing the density and mass of people. Can have a slightly negative connotation of overwhelming presence.

• A throng of protesters gathered outside the government building.
• Shoppers thronged the mall on Black Friday.

Typically refers to an overwhelming quantity of something, often used literally to describe large amounts of water or metaphorically for an influx of people or things.

• The heavy rains caused the river to flood.
• She received a flood of emails after the announcement.

This word is best used when describing a large group of living creatures, especially insects, moving together. It implies a sense of overwhelming numbers and motion.

• The bees were swarming around the hive; The beach was swarming with tourists

Use this word to refer to a large number of people gathered together in one place, especially in a public or social event. It can be neutral or have a slightly negative connotation if it implies congestion.

• A crowd gathered to watch the street performer; The concert attracted a huge crowd

Use this word to describe a large, densely packed group of people or animals. It suggests a sense of close proximity and bustling activity, often in a somewhat chaotic manner.

• A throng of shoppers filled the mall on Black Friday; The protesters pushed their way through the throng

This word refers to a very large number of people or things. It often sounds more formal or literary and can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

• He addressed the multitude with confidence; There is a multitude of reasons to visit this city

This word implies a large and often unruly or disorderly group. It often has a negative connotation and is used to describe groups that are perceived as threatening or overwhelming.

• A horde of zombies chased the survivors; Hordes of fans rushed the stage after the concert