gathering

noun gath·er·ing \ ˈgat͟h-riŋ , ˈga-t͟hə- \

|Updated on: 9 Jul 2018

Examples: gathering in a Sentence

Definition of gathering

1 : assembly, meeting

2 : a suppurating swelling : abscess

3 : the collecting of food or raw materials from the wild

4 : collection, compilation

5 : a gather in cloth

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See gathering defined for kids

Examples of gathering in a Sentence

I see my cousins only at occasional family gatherings.
dinner parties and other social gatherings
a gathering of political leaders

Recent Examples of gathering from the Web

One is the Lima group, an ad hoc gathering of 14 countries trying to restore democracy in Venezuela.

— The Economist, "What AMLO portends for Latin America," 5 July 2018
That’s probably because, despite its elevated dress code, the Soirée des Collections closing cocktail party, hosted by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, is officially, paradoxically, the most laid-back gathering of the week.

— Vogue, "Inside the 150th Anniversary of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture," 5 July 2018
One of Ellison’s last short story collections was a gathering of his award-winning tales titled The Top of the Volcano.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "Harlan Ellison’s Death Raises a #MeToo Quandary," 2 July 2018
Sykes says that Vinnie Paul's funeral, which was private, was a gathering of friends and music-industry colleagues, much like his brother's funeral was.

— robert philpot, star-telegram, "Former Pantera tour manager shares memories of Vinnie Paul, Dimebag Darrell," 1 July 2018
In Russia, according to one fan on the ground, the song has been pervasive beyond the games — constantly played in bars, restaurants and other gathering spots in the tournament’s host cities.

— brian mccollum, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit's global sports anthem: The White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army'," 29 June 2018
At an intimate gathering of beauty editors to preview the launch of the brand, Wells explained that the name — this grotesque word that was often thought of as taboo in the journalism world — was in fact the perfect fit.

— refinery29.com, "We Tried Everything From Flesh Beauty — & Here's Our Unfiltered Opinion," 26 June 2018
Parkinson's Disease Support Group The meeting is an informal gathering of people affected by Parkinson's disease. 2-3:30 p.m. HarborChase, 2975 NW 99th Ave., Coral Springs.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Coral Springs, Coconut Creek area events, June 27-July 7," 25 June 2018
The family has been overwhelmed with support, starting with an impromptu gathering of the Lakota West community and others at the football field the day after.

— scott springer, Cincinnati.com, "#StratmanStrong support comforts family of stricken Lakota West lacrosse player," 16 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gathering.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of gathering

Middle English gaderyng, gederunge, going back to Old English gadrung, gædrung, gegaderung, gegadrung "joining, union, assembly," from gadrian, gaderian "to join, unite, ¹gather" + -ung ³-ing

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year