gaggle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, occasionally humorous
Quick answer
What does “gaggle” mean?
A collective noun for a group of geese, especially when on the ground or water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A collective noun for a group of geese, especially when on the ground or water.
Any noisy, disorderly, or chattering group of people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties. No significant spelling, meaning, or syntactic differences.
Connotations
Identical connotations: the primary sense is neutral, the extended sense is mildly negative/humorous.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. Slightly more likely to be encountered in rural contexts or in figurative use.
Grammar
How to Use “gaggle” in a Sentence
[a/the/this/that] gaggle of + [plural noun (people/animals)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gaggle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The geese began to gaggle noisily by the pond.
- Stop gaggling and pay attention!
American English
- The tourists gaggled around the monument, taking pictures.
- The kids were gaggling in the hallway before class.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival form.
American English
- No standard adjectival form.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly humorous: 'A gaggle of interns followed the CEO.'
Academic
Very rare except in zoology/biology discussing geese.
Everyday
Used for geese or humorously for noisy groups of children/people.
Technical
Standard zoological term for a ground-based group of geese.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaggle”
- Using it for any bird ('a gaggle of sparrows' - incorrect). Using it for quiet, orderly groups ('a gaggle of librarians' - unlikely unless being humorous).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, informally. It means to make a noise like a goose, or to gather/chatter noisily like a gaggle.
Primarily, yes. Its core, technical meaning is for geese. Its use for people is an extended, figurative, and informal application.
A 'flock' is the general term for a group of geese in flight. A 'gaggle' specifically refers to them when they are on the ground or water.
It is mildly pejorative or humorous, implying they are noisy and disorganised. Use with caution; it's not highly offensive but could be seen as disrespectful in formal contexts.
A collective noun for a group of geese, especially when on the ground or water.
Gaggle is usually informal, occasionally humorous in register.
Gaggle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡ(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡ(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'gaggle'. The word itself is a type of collective noun idiom.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine geese GAGGLE-ing (gaggling) with noisy GAGs and cackLES.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISORGANIZED GROUP IS A GAGGLE (OF GEESE). NOISY CHATTER IS THE SOUND OF GEESE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate use of 'gaggle'?