swarm
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for swarm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large group of insects, especially bees, moving or migrating together.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A large group of insects, especially bees, moving or migrating together.
“A swarm of bees settled in the old oak tree.”
Opposites
How to use swarm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a swarm of bees
swarming with tourists
earthquake swarm
Etymology
From Old English swearm, "swarm, multitude," from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to buzz or hum."
Full origin of swarm →Frequently asked questions
What does “swarm” mean?
The word “swarm” means a large group of insects, especially bees, moving or migrating together. In plain terms, a large, dense, moving group — often insects, but also people — or the act of moving or crowding together like one.
How do you pronounce “swarm”?
“Swarm” is pronounced swawm (/swɔɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “swarm” in a sentence?
Here is “swarm” used in a sentence: “A swarm of bees settled in the old oak tree.”
What part of speech is “swarm”?
Depending on how it is used, “swarm” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “swarm” come from?
The word “swarm” comes from Old English. From Old English swearm, "swarm, multitude," from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to buzz or hum.".
Is “swarm” a common word?
“Swarm” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “swarm” have?
“Swarm” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large group of insects, especially bees, moving or migrating together.
