group

1 of 2

noun

often attributive
1
: two or more figures forming a complete unit in a composition
went there as a group
2
a
: a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship
a study group
b
: an assemblage of objects regarded as a unit
one of the food groups
c(1)
: a military unit consisting of a headquarters and attached battalions
(2)
: a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a squadron and lower than a wing
3
a
: an assemblage of related organisms
often used to avoid taxonomic connotations when the kind or degree of relationship is not clearly defined
b(1)
: two or more atoms joined together or sometimes a single atom forming part of a molecule
especially : functional group
a methyl group
(2)
: an assemblage of elements forming one of the vertical columns of the periodic table
c
: a bed or layer of rocks deposited during an era
4
: a mathematical set that is closed under a binary associative operation, contains an identity element, and has an inverse for every element

group

2 of 2

verb

grouped; grouping; groups

transitive verb

1
: to combine in a group
grouped English and Dutch as Germanic languages
2
: to assign to a group : classify
The children were grouped by age.

intransitive verb

1
: to form a group
The students grouped around the table.
2
: to belong to a group
3
: to make groups of closely spaced hits on a target
the gun grouped beautifullyR. C. Ruark
groupable adjective

Examples of group in a Sentence

Noun It'll be easier if we go there as a group. She presented the idea to the group. We like to let these students work in groups whenever possible. She belongs to an environmental group. She joined a discussion group. A select group of scientists has been invited to the conference. Verb you should first group the invertebrates by genus group the kids together and we'll see who's missing
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
During the interview, Dr. Dre shared his enthusiasm for getting the star, his unlikely fans (which have apparently included a group of nuns), and the collaborative process of making music. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024 Israel said Monday that the raid on al-Shifa had killed Faiq Mabhouh, whom the IDF identified as a senior official with Hamas’s internal security division and the coordinator of the group’s militant activities across Gaza. Sarah Dadouch, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for group 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'group.' 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 and Verb

French groupe, from Italian gruppo, by-form of groppo knot, tangle, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German kropf craw — more at crop

First Known Use

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1706, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of group was in 1668

Dictionary Entries Near group

Cite this Entry

“Group.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/group. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

group

1 of 2 noun
1
: a number of objects or persons considered as a unit
2
a
: a number of living things having some natural relationship
b
: a combination of atoms commonly found together in a molecule
a methyl group
3
: a small band : combo
a rock group

group

2 of 2 verb
: to arrange or combine in a group
group children by ages

Medical Definition

group

noun
often attributive
1
: a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship
2
a
: an assemblage of related organisms
often used to avoid taxonomic connotations when the kind or degree of relationship is not clearly defined
b(1)
: an assemblage of atoms forming part of a molecule
especially : functional group
(2)
: an assemblage of elements forming one of the vertical columns of the periodic table

More from Merriam-Webster on group

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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