gathering
Gathering (noun) means a meeting or get-together of people, often social. Example: “The family held a small gathering to celebrate the anniversary.”
How to use gathering
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group of people meeting together, whether social, formal, or informal.
Word forms
gatherings plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The family held a small _____ to celebrate the anniversary.
Etymology
From Old English gaderung, built from "gather" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ing."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for gathering
Frequently asked questions
What does “gathering” mean?
The word “gathering” means a meeting or get-together of people, often social. In plain terms, a group of people meeting together, whether social, formal, or informal.
How do you pronounce “gathering”?
“Gathering” is pronounced GATH-uh-rihng (/ˈɡæð.ɚ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gathering” in a sentence?
Here is “gathering” used in a sentence: “The family held a small gathering to celebrate the anniversary.”
What part of speech is “gathering”?
“Gathering” is a noun.
Where does the word “gathering” come from?
The word “gathering” comes from Old English. From Old English gaderung, built from "gather" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ing.".
Is “gathering” a common word?
“Gathering” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "gathering" and a "meeting"?
A gathering is a meeting or get-together of people, often social and informal. A "meeting" more often implies a purposeful, organised event with an agenda, such as a business meeting. Gatherings emphasise people coming together, while meetings emphasise the reason for coming together.
What is the difference between a "gathering" and a "party"?
Both bring people together, but a gathering is a broad term for any get-together, which may be quiet or serious as well as social. A party specifically implies celebration and entertainment. Every party is a gathering, but not every gathering is a party.
Is a "gathering" formal or informal?
"Gathering" is a flexible, fairly neutral word that can describe casual or formal events alike, from a family gathering to a solemn gathering of mourners. Its tone depends on the words around it rather than the term itself.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include gathering: