gathering

1 of 2

noun

gath·​er·​ing ˈga-t͟hə-riŋ How to pronounce gathering (audio)
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
4
: a gather in cloth
5
: a suppurating swelling : abscess

gathering

2 of 2

present participle of gather entry 1

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 luncheon gathering, presented in partnership with Lifetime, celebrates the charitable work done by the Power of Women New York honorees, who will be featured on four separate covers for the April 30 print edition of Variety. William Earl, Variety, 25 Mar. 2024 The Skirball recently acquired the work and Silverman is currently an artist-in-residence, hosting gatherings that will put his dishware to use while bringing different strands of Angelenos together. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2024 Fill with: Textured Throw Blanket Pothos Plant Spring Throw Pillow Better Homes & Gardens Large Natural Poly Rattan Open-Weave Round Basket Another great gift idea for a family gathering or an Easter host is this large decorative weave basket that would look great in a living room. Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024 Initially more of a kid-centric community gathering, People Matter Fest has evolved into free concert that brings out some of the hottest names in hip-hop while rallying around nonviolence and the power of voting. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024 The third teen did not see the forcible kiss but confirmed details of the gathering. Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 If this Silicon Valley A.I. gathering was intended to pump up passions for spending, dreaming and investing, whatever the risks or costs, the second meeting, in Washington, was devoted to curbing unwarranted financial enthusiasm. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2024 Kelly said the goal is to make the events comparable to a small-town gathering in the Midwest. Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024 This should give Kennedy the means to navigate varying state regulations, pay for signature gathering operations and take states to court to contest their rules, as his campaign already has. Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gathering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of gathering was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near gathering

Cite this Entry

“Gathering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gathering. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gathering

noun
1
2
: a pus-filled swelling (as an abscess)
3
: the collecting of food and raw materials from the wild
4
5
: a gather in cloth

Medical Definition

gathering

noun
gath·​er·​ing
: a suppurating swelling : abscess

More from Merriam-Webster on gathering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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