congregation

noun

con·​gre·​ga·​tion ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shən 

1

a

: an assembly of persons : gathering

especially : an assembly of persons met for worship and religious instruction

b

: a religious community: such as

(1)

: an organized body of believers in a particular locality

The pastor delivered a lengthy sermon to the congregation.

(2)

: a Roman Catholic religious institute with only simple vows

a congregation of nuns

(3)

: a group of monasteries forming an independent subdivision of an order

2

: the act or an instance of congregating or bringing together : the state of being congregated

3

: a body of cardinals and officials forming an administrative division of the papal curia

Did you know?

The verb congregate may be used for spontaneous gatherings. A crowd quickly congregates at the scene of an accident, for example, just as cows, sheep, or horses tend to congregate during a storm. And under military rule, citizens are often forbidden to congregate on street corners or anywhere else. But a congregation is generally a group that has gathered for a formal purpose, usually in church. The Congregational Church was originally the church of the Puritan settlers, in which each congregation governed its own church independent of any higher authority.

Synonyms

• assembly
• church

Examples of congregation in a Sentence

The priest addressed the congregation.

She is a member of a small congregation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Prince of Wales, who arrived well ahead of the guests to begin his duties as an usher, and his cousin Princess Eugenie, were among the friends and family in the 400-strong congregation for the service. —Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024

Membership, which launched in the late 1890s with a German-speaking congregation, has evolved with time to reflect the various cultures of the neighborhood. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 31 May 2024

The caption was under a video Bryant posted of his announcement in front of an excited congregation revealing his plans to marry Turner. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 29 May 2024

Why do religions teach peace split congregations over what the scriptures are saying? —Dean Minnich, Baltimore Sun, 12 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see congregate entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

congregation

noun

con·​gre·​ga·​tion ˌkäŋ-gri-ˈgā-shən 

1

: a gathering or collection of persons or things

2

a

: an assembly of persons gathered especially for religious worship

b

: the members of a church or synagogue