noun
Common
gathering
GATH-uh-rihng
Gathering (noun) means a meeting or get-together of people, often social. Example: “The family held a small gathering to celebrate the anniversary.”
noun
1
A meeting or get-together of people, often social.
"The family held a small gathering to celebrate the anniversary."
"Protesters organized a peaceful gathering outside city hall."
"We are having a gathering at our house on Saturday evening."
"I met her at a gathering of engineers and scientists."
How to use gathering
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA group of people meeting together, whether social, formal, or informal.
Common pairings
social gathering
large gathering
hold a gathering
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Word forms
- Plural
- gatherings
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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
peering
tapering
lowering
covering
offering
entering
altering
cheering
steering
uttering
ordering
towering
See all 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.
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