gathering

1 of 2

noun

gath·​er·​ing ˈga-t͟hə-riŋ 

ˈgat͟h-

plural gatherings

1

: a coming together of people in a group (as for social, religious, or political purposes) : assembly, meeting

an informal gathering

a gathering of world leaders

planned a big family gathering

2

: the collecting of food or raw materials from the wild

Hunting and gathering also added to the food supply. Wild fruits, berries and mollusks were gathered …

—Barbara A. Leitch

… peoples who raise domesticated animals and who do not depend on hunting, gathering, or the planting of their own crops …

—Marvin Harris

3

: collection, compilation

4

: a gather in cloth

5

: a suppurating swelling : abscess

gathering

2 of 2

present participle of gather entry 1

Synonyms

Noun

• assemblage
• assembly
• conference
• congregation
• convocation
• ingathering
• meeting
• muster

Examples of gathering in a Sentence

Noun

I see my cousins only at occasional family gatherings.

dinner parties and other social gatherings

a gathering of political leaders

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The most awkward part of any group gathering is ensuring everyone gets reimbursed. —Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2024

The event, which is projected to cost over $600 million, has spanned over five months, featuring a series of gatherings including a performance by Rihanna, where the bride-to-be wore a custom Versace gown. —Ty Gaskins, WWD, 12 July 2024

But overshadowing the international gathering was Biden's domestic political fate amid debate over his ability to lead the U.S. for another four years and the possibility of a second Trump presidency. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 11 July 2024

Layout and flow is so important in kitchens, often the hub of the home where everything happens—cooking, eating, gathering, etc. —Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English gaderyng, gederunge, going back to Old English gadrung, gædrung, gegaderung, gegadrung "joining, union, assembly," from gadrian, gaderian "to join, unite, gather entry 1" + -ung -ing entry 3

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gathering

noun

1

: assembly sense 1, meeting

2

: a pus-filled swelling (as an abscess)

3

: the collecting of food and raw materials from the wild

4

: collection sense 2a

5

: a gather in cloth

Medical Definition

gathering

noun

gath·​er·​ing

: a suppurating swelling : abscess