flock
B1Neutral to formal (noun), informal (verb in 'flock to')
Definition
Meaning
A group of animals, especially birds or sheep, that live, travel, or feed together.
A large group of people or things; a congregation of people, especially in a religious context; a tuft of wool or similar material.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, primarily used for animals (birds, sheep, goats). For people, it implies movement or gathering as a group, often with a sense of following or being drawn to something. The verb form means to gather or move in a large group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'flock' identically for groups of animals and people. The verb 'to flock' is equally common.
Connotations
Identical connotations of collective movement or gathering.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] flock to [PLACE/EVENT][N] flock togethera flock of [ANIMAL/PEOPLE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Birds of a feather flock together.”
- “A wolf in sheep's clothing (related via the 'flock' concept).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'Customers flocked to the new store during the sale.'
Academic
Used in biology/zoology: 'The study observed the flocking behaviour of starlings.'
Everyday
Common for describing groups of birds or crowds: 'Look at that flock of pigeons.'
Technical
In textiles: 'Flock printing' or 'flock wallpaper' refers to a velvety pattern made from short fibres.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- People will flock to the seaside if the weather is good.
- Fans flocked to the stadium hours before the match.
American English
- Shoppers flocked to the mall for Black Friday deals.
- Tourists flock to see the Grand Canyon.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverb form.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. 'Flocking' is a participle.)
American English
- N/A (No standard adjective form. 'Flocking' is a participle.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a big flock of birds in the sky.
- The shepherd has a flock of sheep.
- A flock of tourists gathered in the square.
- Birds of a feather flock together.
- Protesters flocked to the city centre to voice their concerns.
- The new policy caused a flock of complaints to the office.
- The algorithm was designed to simulate the flocking behaviour of birds for animation.
- Early adopters flocked to the innovative platform, creating its initial user base.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FLOCK of sheep following a LOCK (sounds similar) of wool.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE ANIMALS (specifically, herd animals). MOVING AS A GROUP IS FLOCKING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'flock' as a verb and 'flock' as a material (like in upholstery). The Russian word 'стадо' is a closer match for groups of mammals, while 'стая' is for birds/wolves. 'Flock' covers both.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'flock' for a group of fish (use 'school' or 'shoal').
- Using 'flock' for a single animal.
- Confusing 'flock' (group) with 'flock' (material).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate use of 'flock'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's uncommon. 'Swarm' is the standard collective noun for insects like bees or locusts.
No. While its core meaning is for animals, it is commonly used metaphorically for people moving or gathering as a group (e.g., 'fans flocked').
'Flock' is typically for birds and sheep/goats. 'Herd' is for larger grazing mammals (cows, elephants). 'Pack' is for hunting animals like wolves or dogs.
No. The verb 'to flock' inherently describes the action of a group. A single person might 'go' or 'rush', but not 'flock'.