gathering

1 of 2

noun

gath·​er·​ing ˈga-t͟hə-riŋ 

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

: collection, compilation

4

: a gather in cloth

5

: a suppurating swelling : abscess

gathering

2 of 2

present participle of gather entry 1

Synonyms

Noun

• assembly
• meeting
• assemblage
• conference

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

Meals on Wheels Orange County hosted the gathering with Mattel, which is turning 80 this year, and there were games and dancing and lunch enjoyed by all. —Heather McRea, Oc Register, 15 Aug. 2025

An estimated 1,140 classic cars will come up for sale at Monterey Car Week, the annual gathering of classic car collectors from around the world. —Robert Frank, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025

With the flip of a switch, a galaxy projector will cast stars and nebula clouds across walls and ceilings, instantly setting an intergalactic vibe; perfect for everything from falling asleep to hosting a chill gathering. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025

The gathering was to be addressed by Gilad Erdan, a former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations and United States. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for gathering

• ingathering

Kids Definition

gathering

noun

1

: assembly sense 1, meeting

2

: a pus-filled swelling (as an abscess)

3

: the collecting of food and raw materials from the wild

4

: collection sense 2a

5

: a gather in cloth

Medical Definition

gathering

noun

gath·​er·​ing

: a suppurating swelling : abscess