WordGarden.ioflock
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈɒk/
US
- /ˈflɑk/
Meanings
Noun
a group of birds together
a group of sheep, goats, or similar animals
a group of people, especially followers or a congregation
More meaningsFewer meanings
loose fibers used for stuffing or a soft surface finish
Verb
to gather or move somewhere in large numbers
to cover a surface with short fibers
Beyond the definition
You've likely seen a flock of birds soaring through the sky—that's a group traveling together. But "flock" isn't just for birds. It can also mean a group of sheep, and sometimes it is used for people moving or gathering in a crowd. Think of tourists heading to a famous landmark, or students rushing to class after the bell rings. The word gives a sense of movement and togetherness.
As a verb, "flock" means to gather in large numbers. "Fans flocked to see their favorite band" means they came in big numbers because they wanted to be there. It often suggests shared interest or excitement. It can also hint at following others in the same direction, much like sheep moving together.
The word "flock" originally described a gathering of sheep or birds—a group moving as one. Think of a breathtaking sight: a flock of geese flying in perfect V-formation across the autumn sky, or a shepherd guiding his flock through rolling hills. This image of unity and shared direction is at the heart of the word's meaning.
However, "flock" has expanded beyond the farm and the forest. It can also describe people gathering or moving together in large numbers. You might see tourists crowding a city square or children running toward an ice cream truck. As a verb, to "flock" means to gather in large numbers, often because of interest, excitement, or attraction. "People flocked to the new museum" suggests it was very popular and drew a big crowd. This sense of shared interest is perfectly captured in the proverb "birds of a feather flock together," which describes how people with similar tastes naturally find one another.
Interestingly, "flock" also carries a figurative meaning in a communal or spiritual context. A religious leader, for example, often refers to their congregation as a flock, emphasizing a community that seeks guidance and stays together for support. Whether you're observing birds in flight, navigating crowded streets, or describing a group with shared passions—"flock" captures the essence of gathering together and moving as one.
Examples
- 1
Birds
A flock of birds flew over the lake at dawn.
- 2
Farm animals
We passed several flocks of sheep on the way to the farm.
- 3
Popular place
On warm weekends, families flock to the beach.
- Patternflock to + place
go there in large numbers
- 4
Celebrity crowd
Fans flocked around the actor after the premiere.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Religious group
The pastor knew every member of his flock by name.
- Domain
in religion, a flock is the people a religious leader takes care of
- 6
Proverb
"Birds of a feather flock together," my grandmother used to say.
- Phrasebirds of a feather flock together
similar people often spend time together
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- flocknounverb
Forms
- flockspluralnounverb
- flockedpast tenseverbnoun
- flocking-ing formverbnoun