Collective Noun

Refers to the noun used to describe groups of things:

• A herd herd of cows
• A flock of sheep
• A swarm of bees

This is an actual noun – you can refer to “the herd” or “the flock” or “the swarm.” I assume that most singular nouns have a collective equivalent? If it doesn’t, do you default to “group”? Here’s a big list.

Why I Looked It Up

On a phone call, someone said they “invited a gaggle of people.” It got me thinking.