plural swarms
: a very large number of insects moving together
a swarm of bees/mosquitoes/ants/locusts
—often used figurativelyThe tourists arrived in swarms.
swarms; swarmed; swarming
1
: to move in a large group
Bees were swarming near the hive.
Spectators swarmed into the stadium.
2
a
: to be surrounded or filled with a large group of insects, people, etc., moving together
The hive was swarming with bees.
The island was swarming with tourists.
b
: to surround (something or someone) with a large group
Police swarmed the smuggler's hideout.
The movie star was swarmed by adoring fans.
Enemy soldiers swarmed the castle.
Cite this Entry
“Swarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/swarm. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
