flock
13 synonyms and 0 antonyms for flock, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A group of birds, sheep, or other animals gathered or travelling together.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use flock
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English flocc ("crowd, troop"), a Germanic word also seen in Danish and Swedish flock.
Full origin of flock →Frequently asked questions
What does “flock” mean?
The word “flock” means a group of birds, sheep, or other animals gathered or travelling together. In plain terms, a group of animals or people moving or gathering together, or the act of doing so.
How do you pronounce “flock”?
“Flock” is pronounced flok (/flɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “flock” in a sentence?
Here is “flock” used in a sentence: “A flock of geese flew south for the winter.”
What is another word for “flock”?
Words with a similar meaning to “flock” include bunch, gaggle, horde, host, legion and litter.
What part of speech is “flock”?
Depending on how it is used, “flock” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “flock” come from?
The word “flock” comes from Old English. From Old English flocc ("crowd, troop"), a Germanic word also seen in Danish and Swedish flock.
Is “flock” a common word?
“Flock” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “flock” have?
“Flock” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a group of birds, sheep, or other animals gathered or travelling together.
What is the difference between a flock and a herd?
A flock typically refers to birds or sheep gathered or travelling together, while a herd usually refers to larger grazing mammals such as cattle, deer, or elephants. The choice of collective noun often depends on the specific animal being described.
What does flock mean when referring to a church congregation?
When used figuratively, flock refers to a large crowd of people, especially the members of a particular church or congregation, drawing on the traditional image of a shepherd caring for a flock of sheep.
Can flock be used as a verb?
Yes, flock can be used as a verb meaning to gather or travel together in large numbers, as in 'tourists flocked to the beach during the holiday.'