flocking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, with technical use in manufacturing.
Quick answer
What does “flocking” mean?
The act of a group of people or animals coming together or moving together in a large, cohesive group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of a group of people or animals coming together or moving together in a large, cohesive group.
Also refers to the decorative technique of applying small fibers (flock) to a surface to create a texture or pattern.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. The technical 'flocking' (decorative fibers) is understood in both.
Connotations
Identical. Neutral for the action, technical/specialized for the material process.
Frequency
The verb 'flock to' is equally common. The noun (crowd) is slightly more literary.
Grammar
How to Use “flocking” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT] flock to/into/around [PLACE/PERSON][SUBJECT] are flockingthe flocking of [GROUP] to [PLACE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flocking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Supporters were flocking to the stadium hours before the match.
- The birds are flocking south for the winter.
American English
- Shoppers flocked to the mall for the Black Friday sales.
- Fans are flocking to the new superhero movie.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The flocking wallpaper gave the room a luxurious feel.
- We need more flocking powder for the craft project.
American English
- The fabric had a soft, flocked surface.
- He bought flocked Christmas trees for the store display.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Customers are flocking to the new product launch."
Academic
"The study observed the flocking behaviour of starlings."
Everyday
"Everyone is flocking to the new cafe in town."
Technical
"The velvet finish was achieved through an electrostatic flocking process."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flocking”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flocking”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flocking”
- Using 'flocking' for a single person's movement. (Wrong: *He was flocking to the shop). Overusing in formal writing where 'gathering' or 'converging' might be more precise.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it inherently describes the movement or grouping of a collective. For one person, use 'going', 'rushing', or 'heading'.
'Flocking' implies a more spontaneous, instinctive, or eager movement towards a point, often from various directions. 'Gathering' is more general and can be planned.
It is neutral but slightly more vivid and descriptive. In very formal academic or business reports, 'converging', 'assembling', or 'congregating' might be preferred.
It's a process where short fibers (the flock) are applied to an adhesive-coated surface to create a texture, like velvet on a dashboard or a fuzzy design on fabric.
The act of a group of people or animals coming together or moving together in a large, cohesive group.
Flocking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflɒk.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflɑː.kɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Birds of a feather flock together.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FLOCK of sheep all LINKING together as they move.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE BIRDS / MOVEMENT IS A FLUID (streaming, pouring).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flocking' used in a technical, non-animal sense?