Collective Nouns List
List of collective nouns starting with A
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| aardvarks | armoury | An armoury of aardvarks |
| academics | faculty | A faculty of academics |
| accidents | pile | A pile of accidents |
| accountants | balance | A balance of accountants |
| acrobats | troupe | A troupe of acrobats |
| activities | schedule | A schedule of activities |
| actors | cast | A cast of actors |
| actresses | entrance | An entrance of actresses |
| actuaries | table | A table of actuaries |
| adders | sum | A sum of adders |
| administrators | network | A network of administrators |
| admirals | bridge | A bridge of admirals |
| adolescents | acne | An acne of adolescents |
| advocates | argument | An argument of advocates |
| aeroplanes | flight | A flight of aeroplanes |
| agents | deal | A deal of agents |
| aircraft | flight | A flight of aircraft |
| albatrosses | rookery | A rookery of albatrosses |
| aliens (extraterrestrial) | attack | An attack of aliens |
| aliens (noncitizens) | boatload | A boatload of aliens |
| alligators | congregation | A congregation of alligators |
| alpacas | herd | A herd of alpacas |
| ambassadors | delegation | A delegation of ambassadors |
| ambulances | fleet | A fleet of ambulances |
| ammunition | cache | A cache of ammunition |
| amoebas | ooze | An ooze of amoebas |
| anaesthetists | slumber | A slumber of anaesthetists |
| anatomists | corps | A corps of anatomists |
| anatomists | Gray | A Gray of anatomists |
| angels | host | A host of angels |
| anglers | catch | A catch of anglers |
| animals | herd | A herd of animals |
| antelopes | herd | A herd of antelopes |
| ants | army | An army of ants |
| apartments | block | A block of apartments |
| apes | shrewdness | A shrewdness of apes |
| apples | bushel | A bushel of apples |
| apple trees | orchard | An orchard of apple trees |
| archer fish | company | A company of archer fish |
| archers | company | A company of archers |
| architects | rendering | A rendering of architects |
| armadillos | roll | A roll of armadillos |
| armoured cars | column | A column of armoured cars |
| arms | cache | A cache of arms |
| arrows | quiver | A quiver of arrows |
| art | museum | A museum of art |
| artillery | battery | A battery of artillery |
| artistes | troupe | A troupe of artistes |
| asparagus | bundle | A bundle of asparagus |
| asses | herd | A herd of asses |
| asteroids | belt | A belt of asteroids |
| astrologers | knot | A knot of astrologers |
| astronauts | trajectory | A trajectory of astronauts |
| astronomers | galaxy | A galaxy of astronomers |
| athletes | team | A team of athletes |
| attendants | entourage | An entourage of attendants |
| attorneys | greed | A greed of attorneys |
| auctioneers | hammer | A hammer of auctioneers |
| auks | flock | A flock of auks |
| aunts | suffocation | A suffocation of aunts |
| Aussies | outback | An outback of Aussies |
| authors | advance | An advance of authors |
| avocets | colony | A colony of avocets |
List of collective nouns starting with B
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| baboons | troop | A troop of baboons |
| bachelors | score | A score of bachelors |
| bacteria | culture | A culture of bacteria |
| badgers | cete | A cete of badgers |
| bakers | aroma | An aroma of bakers |
| balloons | festival | A festival of balloons |
| bananas | hand | A hand of bananas |
| bankers | wunch | A wunch of bankers |
| baptists | immersion | An immersion of baptists |
| barbers | babble | A babble of barbers |
| barons | thought | A thought of barons |
| barracuda | battery | A battery of barracuda |
| bartenders | promise | A promise of bartenders |
| bass | fleet | A fleet of bass |
| bats | colony | A colony of bats |
| beads | string | A string of beads |
| beans | hill | A hill of beans |
| bears | sleuth | A sleuth of bears |
| beauties | bevy | A bevy of beauties |
| beautiful ladies | bevy | A bevy of beautiful ladies |
| beavers | colony | A colony of beavers |
| bees | swarm | A swarm of bees |
| beggars | fighting | A fighting of beggars |
| bells | peal | A peal of bells |
| bills | wad | A wad of bills |
| birds | flock | A flock of birds |
| bishops | bench | A bench of bishops |
| bison | gang | A gang of bison |
| bitterns | sedge | A sedge of bitterns |
| blankets | swelter | A swelter of blankets |
| bloodhounds | sute | A sute of bloodhounds |
| blossoms | flourish | A flourish of blossoms |
| boars | herd | A herd of boars |
| boats | fleet | A fleet of boats |
| bobolinks | chain | A chain of bobolinks |
| bombs | cluster | A cluster of bombs |
| bookkeepers | audit | An audit of bookkeepers |
| books | library | A library of books |
| bottles | couple | A couple of bottles |
| bowls | set | A set of bowls |
| boxers | ring | A ring of boxers |
| boys | blush | A blush of boys |
| brats | passel | A passel of brats |
| bread | batch | A batch of bread |
| bridegrooms | thrall | A thrall of bridegrooms |
| brides | thrill | A thrill of brides |
| bucks | herd | A herd of bucks |
| budgerigars | flock | A flock of budgerigars |
| buffaloes | herd | A herd of buffaloes |
| bullets | shower | A shower of bullets |
| bullfinches | bellowing | A bellowing of bullfinches |
| bullocks | drove | A drove of bullocks |
| bureaucrats | shuffle | A shuffle of bureaucrats |
| buses | fleet | A fleet of buses |
| busboys | spill | A spill of busboys |
| bushes | hedge | A hedge of bushes |
| bustards | flock | A flock of bustards |
| butchers | goring | A goring of butchers |
| butlers | draught | A draught of butlers |
| butterflies | flight | A flight of butterflies |
| butterfly fish | school | A school of butterfly fish |
| buzzards | wake | A wake of buzzards |
List of collective nouns starting with C
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| camels | flock | A flock of camels |
| canaries | opera | An opera of canaries |
| candidates | slate | A slate of candidates |
| candies | mint | A mint of candies |
| canyons | maze | A maze of canyons |
| capitalists | syndicate | A syndicate of capitalists |
| cardinals | conclave | A conclave of cardinals |
| cardiologists | clot | A clot of cardiologists |
| cards | deck | A deck of cards |
| caribou | herd | A herd of caribou |
| carpenters | pound | A pound of carpenters |
| cars | fleet | A fleet of cars |
| caterpillars | army | An army of caterpillars |
| Catholics | mass | A mass of Catholics |
| cats | clowder | A clowder of cats |
| cattle | herd | A herd of cattle |
| cavalry | squadron | A squadron of cavalry |
| cellists | parenthesis | A parenthesis of cellists |
| cellphones | babel | A babel of cellphones |
| censors | omitting | An omitting of censors |
| chairs | fold | A fold of chairs |
| chamois | herd | A herd of chamois |
| chartered planes | fleet | A fleet of chartered planes |
| cheerleaders | frenzy | A frenzy of cheerleaders |
| cheetahs | coalition | A coalition of cheetahs |
| chefs | soupçon | A soupçon of chefs |
| chemists | colloid | A colloid of chemists |
| chess players | board | A board of chess players |
| chickens | brood | A brood of chickens |
| children | ingratitude | An ingratitude of children |
| chimpanzees | whoop | A whoop of chimpanzees |
| chinchillas | herd | A herd of chinchillas |
| choughs | chattering | A chattering of choughs |
| churchgoers | congregation | A congregation of churchgoers |
| churls | cluster | A cluster of churls |
| circuits | bank | A bank of circuits |
| clams | bed | A bed of clams |
| clerks | school | A school of clerks |
| clothes | bundle | A bundle of clothes |
| clouds | soufflé | A soufflé of clouds |
| clowns | pratfall | A pratfall of clowns |
| coaches | fleet | A fleet of coaches |
| cobblers | cutting | A cutting of cobblers |
| cobras | quiver | A quiver of cobras |
| cockatoos | chattering | A chattering of cockatoos |
| cockroaches | intrusion | An intrusion of cockroaches |
| coconuts | cluster | A cluster of coconuts |
| cod | lap | A lap of cod |
| coins | roll | A roll of coins |
| collective nouns | catch | A catch of collective nouns |
| colts | rag | A rag of colts |
| comedians | gaggle | A gaggle of comedians |
| commercials | glut | A glut of commercials |
| commuters | dash | A dash of commuters |
| computer operators | byte | A byte of computer operators |
| computer programmers | megabyte | A megabyte of computer programmers |
| composers | chorus | A chorus of composers |
| computers | cluster | A cluster of computers |
| con artists | scam | A scam of con artists |
| concubines | harem | A harem of concubines |
| condiments | accompaniment | An accompaniment of condiments |
| conies | bury | A bury of conies |
| construction workers | piling | A piling of construction workers |
| contestants | frenzy | A frenzy of contestants |
| convicts | gang | A gang of convicts |
| cooks | hastiness | A hastiness of cooks |
| coots | commotion | A commotion of coots |
| cormorants | flight | A flight of cormorants |
| corn | sheaf | A sheaf of corn |
| cotton | bale | A bale of cotton |
| coughs | chattering | A chattering of coughs |
| courtesans | harem | A harem of courtesans |
| courtiers | threatening | A threatening of courtiers |
| cousins | countryside | A countryside of cousins |
| cowboys | saunter | A saunter of cowboys |
| cows | herd | A herd of cows |
| coyotes | band | A band of coyotes |
| crabs | scuttle | A scuttle of crabs |
| cranes | herd | A herd of cranes |
| creditors | curse | A curse of creditors |
| credit cards | quicksand | A quicksand of credit cards |
| cricketers | eleven | An eleven of cricketers |
| crickets | orchestra | An orchestra of crickets |
| critics | pan | A pan of critics |
| crocodiles | bask | A bask of crocodiles |
| crows | murder | A murder of crows |
| cubs | litter | A litter of cubs |
| cuckolds | incredibility | An incredibility of cuckolds |
| curates | charge | A charge of curates |
| curlews | head | A head of curlews |
| curs | cowardice | A cowardice of curs |
| cymbals | sign | A sign of cymbals |
| cynics | bark | A bark of cynics |
List of collective nouns starting with D
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| dancers | troupe | A troupe of dancers |
| deans | decorum | A decorum of deans |
| debt | mountain | A mountain of debt |
| debtors | split | A split of debtors |
| debutantes | diffidence | A diffidence of debutantes |
| decorators | tantrum | A tantrum of decorators |
| deer | herd | A herd of deer |
| dentists | amalgam | An amalgam of dentists |
| dermatologists | rash | A rash of dermatologists |
| designers | subtlety | A subtlety of designers |
| devils | legion | A legion of devils |
| diamonds | cluster | A cluster of diamonds |
| diapers | load | A load of diapers |
| dice | luck | A luck of dice |
| dictators | tyranny | A tyranny of dictators |
| dictionaries | meaning | A meaning of dictionaries |
| dieters | pot | A pot of dieters |
| dieticians | tray | A tray of dieticians |
| dinosaurs | herd | A herd of dinosaurs |
| diplomats | branle | A branle of diplomats |
| directions | vane | A vane of directions |
| directors | board | A board of directors |
| dirty clothes | load | A load of dirty clothes |
| divorcees | desperation | A desperation of divorcees |
| doctors | doctrine | A doctrine of doctors |
| documents | wealth | A wealth of documents |
| dodos | extinction | An extinction of dodos |
| dogs | pack | A pack of dogs |
| dollars | fistful | A fistful of dollars |
| dolphins | pod | A pod of dolphins |
| dominoes | falling | A falling of dominoes |
| donkeys | herd | A herd of donkeys |
| dotterels | trip | A trip of dotterels |
| doves | bevy | A bevy of doves |
| dowagers | bevy | A bevy of dowagers |
| dragons | flight | A flight of dragons |
| drawers | chest | A chest of drawers |
| drinks | round | A round of drinks |
| drugs | cocktail | A cocktail of drugs |
| drummers | roll | A roll of drummers |
| drums | kettle | A kettle of drums |
| drunks | load | A load of drunks |
| ducklings | fleet | A fleet of ducklings |
| ducks | flock | A flock of ducks |
| dunbirds | flight | A flight of dunbirds |
| dunces | confederacy | A confederacy of dunces |
| dung | pile | A pile of dung |
| dunlins | fling | A fling of dunlins |
| dust | pile | A pile of dust |
| dwarves | shortage | A shortage of dwarves |
List of collective nouns starting with E
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| eagles | convocation | A convocation of eagles |
| earthquakes | swarm | A swarm of earthquakes |
| economists | deficit | A deficit of economists |
| editors | erudition | An erudition of editors |
| eels | swarm | A swarm of eels |
| eggs | clutch | A clutch of eggs |
| egos | pumphouse | A pumphouse of egos |
| eland | herd | A herd of eland |
| electors | college | A college of electors |
| electricians | grid | A grid of electricians |
| elephants | herd | A herd of elephants |
| elk | herd | A herd of elk |
| elves | drove | A drove of elves |
| embarrassments | blush | A blush of embarrassments |
| emotions | wash | A wash of emotions |
| employees | staff | A staff of employees |
| emus | mob | A mob of emus |
| engineers | design | A design of engineers |
| Englishmen | pound | A pound of Englishmen |
| environmentalists | vigilance | A vigilance of environmentalists |
| epidemiologists | cohort | A cohort of epidemiologists |
| equestrians | prance | A prance of equestrians |
| errands | hassle | A hassle of errands |
| errors | comedy | A comedy of errors |
| estimations | bout | A bout of estimations |
| events | chain | A chain of events |
| exams | series | A series of exams |
| executives | board | A board of executives |
| experts | panel | A panel of experts |
| exterminators | slew | A slew of exterminators |
List of collective nouns starting with F
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| fairies | herd | A herd of fairies |
| falcons | cast | A cast of falcons |
| families | clutch | A clutch of families |
| fans | thrill | A thrill of fans |
| farmers | plain | A plain of farmers |
| fathers | distraction | A distraction of fathers |
| fencers | poke | A poke of fencers |
| ferrets | business | A business of ferrets |
| finches | charm | A charm of finches |
| figure skaters | axel | An axel of figure skaters |
| fire | baptism | A baptism of fire |
| firefighters | pluck | A pluck of firefighters |
| firewood | fagot | A fagot of firewood |
| fireworks | exultation | An exultation of fireworks |
| fireflies | conflagration | A conflagration of fireflies |
| fish | school | A school of fish |
| fishermen | drift | A drift of fishermen |
| flags | bunting | A bunting of flags |
| flamingos | stand | A stand of flamingos |
| flats | block | A block of flats |
| flies | swarm | A swarm of flies |
| florists | bouquet | A bouquet of florists |
| flowers | bouquet | A bouquet of flowers |
| flutists | flutter | A flutter of flutists |
| food | pantry | A pantry of food |
| fools | company | A company of fools |
| footballers | team | A team of footballers |
| foresters | stalk | A stalk of foresters |
| fowl | roost | A roost of fowl |
| foxes | skulk | A skulk of foxes |
| freezers | glacier | A glacier of freezers |
| Frenchmen | peck | A peck of Frenchmen |
| freshmen | plenitude | A plenitude of freshmen |
| friars | skulk | A skulk of friars |
| friends | circle | A circle of friends |
| frogs | army | An army of frogs |
| fruits | basket | A basket of fruits |
| fruittrees | orchard | An orchard of fruittrees |
| fungi | colony | A colony of fungi |
| furniture | suite | A suite of furniture |
List of collective nouns starting with G
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| gamblers | roll | A roll of gamblers |
| gangsters | mob | A mob of gangsters |
| garbage | pile | A pile of garbage |
| gardeners | sprinkling | A sprinkling of gardeners |
| gays | village | A village of gays |
| gears | rack | A rack of gears |
| geese | flock | A flock of geese |
| geldings | clipping | A clipping of geldings |
| genealogists | tree | A tree of genealogists |
| generals | glitter | A glitter of generals |
| geneticists | helix | A helix of geneticists |
| geologists | conglomerate | A conglomerate of geologists |
| gerbils | horde | A horde of gerbils |
| Germans | gross | A gross of Germans |
| ghosts | fright | A fright of ghosts |
| giraffes | herd | A herd of giraffes |
| girls | giggle | A giggle of girls |
| gloves | elicat | An elicat of gloves |
| glaziers | crash | A crash of glaziers |
| gluttons | slaver | A slaver of gluttons |
| gnats | cloud | A cloud of gnats |
| gnus | herd | A herd of gnus |
| goats | herd | A herd of goats |
| gods | pantheon | A pantheon of gods |
| gold | hoard | A hoard of gold |
| goldfinches | charm | A charm of goldfinches |
| goldfish | glint | A glint of goldfish |
| golf balls | flight | A flight of golf balls |
| golf carts | skitter | A skitter of golf carts |
| golf clubs | set | A set of golf clubs |
| golfers | lie | A lie of golfers |
| goons | plunder | A plunder of goons |
| gorillas | band | A band of gorillas |
| goshawks | flight | A flight of goshawks |
| goslings | skein | A skein of goslings |
| gossips | dish | A dish of gossips |
| gourmands | delicatessen | A delicatessen of gourmands |
| gourmets | delicatessen | A delicatessen of gourmets |
| governesses | galaxy | A galaxy of governesses |
| graduate students | fortitude | A fortitude of graduate students |
| graduates | unemployment | An unemployment of graduates |
| graffiti | eyesore | An eyesore of graffiti |
| grammarians | conjunction | A conjunction of grammarians |
| grandparents | wisdom | A wisdom of grandparents |
| grapes | bunch | A bunch of grapes |
| grass | tuft | A tuft of grass |
| grasses | fistful | A fistful of grasses |
| grasshoppers | cloud | A cloud of grasshoppers |
| greeting cards | bromide | A bromide of greeting cards |
| greyhounds | leash | A leash of greyhounds |
| griffins | pride | A pride of griffins |
| grits | mess | A mess of grits |
| grouse | covey | A covey of grouse |
| guillemots | bazaar | A bazaar of guillemots |
| guinea pigs | herd | A herd of guinea pigs |
| guitarists | fret | A fret of guitarists |
| gulls | colony | A colony of gulls |
| gunfire | hail | A hail of gunfire |
| guns | battery | A battery of guns |
| gunships | hailstorm | A hailstorm of gunships |
| gurus | profit | A profit of gurus |
| gymnasts | tumbler | A tumbler of gymnasts |
| gynaecologists | smear | A smear of gynaecologists |
| gypsies | store | A store of gypsies |
List of collective nouns starting with H
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| hackers | cruft | A cruft of hackers |
| haematologists | rouleau | A rouleau of haematologists |
| hair | lock | A lock of hair |
| hairdressers | pouf | A pouf of hairdressers |
| hamsters | horde | A horde of hamsters |
| hangers | jangle | A jangle of hangers |
| hares | down | A down of hares |
| harlots | herd | A herd of harlots |
| harpists | melody | A melody of harpists |
| harps | twangle | A twangle of harps |
| harts | herd | A herd of harts |
| hawks | cast | A cast of hawks |
| hay | truss | A truss of hay |
| hedgehogs | prickle | A prickle of hedgehogs |
| heirs | expectation | An expectation of heirs |
| helicopters | hover | A hover of helicopters |
| hens | brood | A brood of hens |
| hermits | observance | An observance of hermits |
| herons | siege | A siege of herons |
| herrings | glean | A glean of herrings |
| hides | dicker | A dicker of hides |
| hills | range | A range of hills |
| hinds | parcel | A parcel of hinds |
| hippies | trip | A trip of hippies |
| hippopotamuses | bloat | A bloat of hippopotamuses |
| historians | argumentation | An argumentation of historians |
| hogs | sounder | A sounder of hogs |
| homework | slew | A slew of homework |
| homosexuals | ensemble | An ensemble of homosexuals |
| hornets | nest | A nest of hornets |
| horsemen | cavalcade | A cavalcade of horsemen |
| horses | herd | A herd of horses |
| hostlers | laughter | A laughter of hostlers |
| hounds | pack | A pack of hounds |
| housekeepers | foresight | A foresight of housekeepers |
| houses | huddle | A huddle of houses |
| hummingbirds | charm | A charm of hummingbirds |
| hunters | blast | A blast of hunters |
| husbands | multiplying | A multiplying of husbands |
| hyenas | clan | A clan of hyenas |
| hypocrites | regiment | A regiment of hypocrites |
List of collective nouns starting with I
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| ibex | herd | A herd of ibex |
| ibises | colony | A colony of ibises |
| ice | floe | A floe of ice |
| icebergs | drift | A drift of icebergs |
| ice cream | bowl | A bowl of ice cream |
| ice cream carts | chime | A chime of ice cream carts |
| ichthyologists | scale | A scale of ichthyologists |
| icons | shield | A shield of icons |
| ideas | floodlight | A floodlight of ideas |
| idiots | thicket | A thicket of idiots |
| iguanas | mess | A mess of iguanas |
| impalas | couple | A couple of impalas |
| impressionists | blur | A blur of impressionists |
| infantry | crèche | A crèche of infantry |
| information | wealth | A wealth of information |
| in-laws | imposition | An imposition of in-laws |
| insects | swarm | A swarm of insects |
| instruments | parley | A parley of instruments |
| Irishmen | pint | A pint of Irishmen |
| islands | chain | A chain of islands |
| Italians | explosion | An explosion of Italians |
List of collective nouns starting with J
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| jackdaws | band | A band of jackdaws |
| jaguars | prowl | A prowl of jaguars |
| jam | preserve | A preserve of jam |
| jays | band | A band of jays |
| jellyfish | fluther | A fluther of jellyfish |
| jets | fleet | A fleet of jets |
| jewellers | ring | A ring of jewellers |
| jewelery | cache | A cache of jewelery |
| jobs | string | A string of jobs |
| jockeys | race | A race of jockeys |
| joggers | wheeze | A wheeze of joggers |
| journalists | scoop | A scoop of journalists |
| judges | bench | A bench of judges |
| jugglers | neverthriving | A neverthriving of jugglers |
| juice | pack | A pack of juice |
| juniors | gratitude | A gratitude of juniors |
| jurors | damning | A damning of jurors |
List of collective nouns starting with K
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| kangaroos | mob | A mob of kangaroos |
| kestrels | hover | A hover of kestrels |
| keys | ring | A ring of keys |
| kids | caper | A caper of kids |
| keglers | bowl | A bowl of keglers |
| kingfishers | realm | A realm of kingfishers |
| kings | line | A line of kings |
| kites | soar | A soar of kites |
| kittens | kindle | A kindle of kittens |
| kleptomaniacs | clutch | A clutch of kleptomaniacs |
| knaves | riffraff | A riffraff of knaves |
| knights | banner | A banner of knights |
| knots | cluster | A cluster of knots |
List of collective nouns starting with L
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| laborers | gang | A gang of laborers |
| ladies | bevy | A bevy of ladies |
| ladybugs | loveliness | A loveliness of ladybugs |
| ladybugs | bloom | A bloom of ladybugs |
| ladybirds | loveliness | A loveliness of ladybirds |
| lambs | fall | A fall of lambs |
| landlords | laches | A laches of landlords |
| lapwings | deceit | A deceit of lapwings |
| larks | exaltation | An exaltation of larks |
| lawnmowers | rasp | A rasp of lawnmowers |
| lawyers | huddle | A huddle of lawyers |
| leaves | autumn | An autumn of leaves |
| lecturers | drift | A drift of lecturers |
| lemurs | conspiracy | A conspiracy of lemurs |
| lemurs | troop | A troop of lemurs |
| lemurs | mob | A mob of lemurs |
| leopards | leap | A leap of leopards |
| lepers | colony | A colony of lepers |
| lesbians | tough | A tough of lesbians |
| letters | budget | A budget of letters |
| leverets | kindle | A kindle of leverets |
| liars | glorifying | A glorifying of liars |
| librarians | catalogue | A catalogue of librarians |
| lice | colony | A colony of lice |
| lies | tissue | A tissue of lies |
| lines | pencil | A pencil of lines |
| linguists | babble | A babble of linguists |
| lions | pride | A pride of lions |
| listeners | audience | An audience of listeners |
| lizards | lounge | A lounge of lizards |
| llamas | herd | A herd of llamas |
| loafers | multiplication | A multiplication of loafers |
| loaves | batch | A batch of loaves |
| lobbyists | buttonhole | A buttonhole of lobbyists |
| locals | plague | A plague of locals |
| lobsters | risk | A risk of lobsters |
| locksmiths | sesame | A sesame of locksmiths |
| locusts | plague | A plague of locusts |
| lollies | packet | A packet of lollies |
| lords | leaping | A leaping of lords |
| lorries | fleet | A fleet of lorries |
| lovebirds | pair | A pair of lovebirds |
| lovers | trance | A trance of lovers |
| luggage | odyssey | An odyssey of luggage |
| luminaries | array | An array of luminaries |
| lutists | litany | A litany of lutists |
| lynx | chain | A chain of lynx |
| lyricists | bridge | A bridge of lyricists |
List of collective nouns starting with M
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| machine guns | nest | A nest of machine guns |
| mackerel | shoal | A shoal of mackerel |
| magazines | labyrinth | A labyrinth of magazines |
| magicians | illusion | An illusion of magicians |
| magistrates | bench | A bench of magistrates |
| magpies | tiding | A tiding of magpies |
| maidens | rage | A rage of maidens |
| mailmen | round | A round of mailmen |
| mallards | sord | A sord of mallards |
| malls | sprawl | A sprawl of malls |
| managers | asylum | An asylum of managers |
| manicurists | file | A file of manicurists |
| maps | atlas | An atlas of maps |
| mares | stud | A stud of mares |
| marines | muscle | A muscle of marines |
| martens | richness | A richness of martens |
| martins | richess | A richess of martins |
| masseurs | pummel | A pummel of masseurs |
| masters | example | An example of masters |
| matadors | pavanne | A pavanne of matadors |
| matches | book | A book of matches |
| mathematicians | number | A number of mathematicians |
| matrons | riches | A riches of matrons |
| mechanics | clutch | A clutch of mechanics |
| mediators | compromise | A compromise of mediators |
| meerkats | clan | A clan of meerkats |
| melons | bouquet | A bouquet of melons |
| members | council | A council of members |
| men | band | A band of men |
| merchants | faith | A faith of merchants |
| merlins | cast | A cast of merlins |
| messengers | diligence | A diligence of messengers |
| metallurgists | amalgamation | An amalgamation of metallurgists |
| meteorologists | shower | A shower of meteorologists |
| mice | nest | A nest of mice |
| microbiologists | colony | A colony of microbiologists |
| microbiologists | culture | A culture of microbiologists |
| midges | bite | A bite of midges |
| midwives | expectation | An expectation of midwives |
| millionaires | wealth | A wealth of millionaires |
| ministers | assembly | An assembly of ministers |
| minks | richness | A richness of minks |
| minnows | stream | A stream of minnows |
| misers | horde | A horde of misers |
| mockingbirds | impression | An impression of mockingbirds |
| models | slouch | A slouch of models |
| moles | company | A company of moles |
| money | wad | A wad of money |
| mongooses | band | A band of mongooses |
| mongrels | ménage | A ménage of mongrels |
| monitors | bank | A bank of monitors |
| monkeys | troop | A troop of monkeys |
| monks | abominable sight | An abominable sight of monks |
| monsters | bestiary | A bestiary of monsters |
| moorhens | plump | A plump of moorhens |
| moose | herd | A herd of moose |
| Mormons | book | A book of Mormons |
| morning glories | dawn | A dawn of morning glories |
| morticians | slab | A slab of morticians |
| mosquitoes | scourge | A scourge of mosquitoes |
| mothers | consternation | A consternation of mothers |
| mothers-in-law | mutter | A mutter of mothers-in-law |
| motorcyclists | clutch | A clutch of motorcyclists |
| mountaineers | uprising | An uprising of mountaineers |
| mountains | range | A range of mountains |
| mourners | cortege | A cortege of mourners |
| mud hens | fleet | A fleet of mud hens |
| mules | barren | A barren of mules |
| museums | march | A march of museums |
| mushrooms | troop | A troop of mushrooms |
| musicians | band | A band of musicians |
| mussels | bed | A bed of mussels |
List of collective nouns starting with N
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| narcissists | reflection | A reflection of narcissists |
| nations | league | A league of nations |
| natives | tribe | A tribe of natives |
| neighbours | annoyance | An annoyance of neighbours |
| nerves | bundle | A bundle of nerves |
| nestlings | brood | A brood of nestlings |
| neurologists | synapse | A synapse of neurologists |
| newsboys | scream | A scream of newsboys |
| newscasters | veneer | A veneer of newscasters |
| newspapers | stack | A stack of newspapers |
| newts | armada | An armada of newts |
| nieces | squeal | A squeal of nieces |
| nightingales | watch | A watch of nightingales |
| night watchmen | pallor | A pallor of night watchmen |
| northerners | freeze | A freeze of northerners |
| notes | wad | A wad of notes |
| nouns | collective | A collective of nouns |
| noises | gallimaufry | A gallimaufry of noises |
| numbers | set | A set of numbers |
| nuns | superfluity | A superfluity of nuns |
| nurses | dearth | A dearth of nurses |
| nymphomaniacs | spread | A spread of nymphomaniacs |
List of collective nouns starting with O
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| oarsmen | row | A row of oarsmen |
| objects | collection | A collection of objects |
| oboists | plaint | A plaint of oboists |
| obstetricians | gestation | A gestation of obstetricians |
| octopuses | consortium | A consortium of octopuses |
| office boys | ogle | An ogle of office boys |
| officers | mess | A mess of officers |
| oncologists | lump | A lump of oncologists |
| oncologists | mass | A mass of oncologists |
| onions | rope | A rope of onions |
| onlookers | crowd | A crowd of onlookers |
| operas | grandiosity | A grandiosity of operas |
| ophthalmologists | spectacle | A spectacle of ophthalmologists |
| ophthalmologists | orbit | An orbit of ophthalmologists |
| ophthalmologists | retinue | A retinue of ophthalmologists |
| optometrists | vision | A vision of optometrists |
| oranges | A pocket of oranges | |
| orangutans | buffoonery | A buffoonery of orangutans |
| orators | podium | A podium of orators |
| orchids | coterie | A coterie of orchids |
| orgiasts | concatenation | A concatenation of orgiasts |
| orphans | abandonment | An abandonment of orphans |
| orthodontists | brace | A brace of orthodontists |
| orthopaedists | cast | A cast of orthopaedists |
| orthopaedists | joint | A joint of orthopaedists |
| osteopaths | joint | A joint of osteopaths |
| ostriches | flock | A flock of ostriches |
| otologists | herd | A herd of otologists |
| otters | bevy | A bevy of otters |
| ovens | range | A range of ovens |
| oxbirds | fling | A fling of oxbirds |
| oxen | herd | A herd of oxen |
| owls | parliament | A parliament of owls |
| oysters | bed | A bed of oysters |
List of collective nouns starting with P
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| paediatricians | howl | A howl of paediatricians |
| painters | illusion | An illusion of painters |
| paisleys | swirl | A swirl of paisleys |
| palindromes | tenet | A tenet of palindromes |
| palm readers | handful | A handful of palm readers |
| paparazzi | flash | A flash of paparazzi |
| paper | ream | A ream of paper |
| paratroopers | storm | A storm of paratroopers |
| pardoners | lying | A lying of pardoners |
| parents | persistence | A persistence of parents |
| parishioners | kneeling | A kneeling of parishioners |
| parking attendants | lot | A lot of parking attendants |
| parrots | company | A company of parrots |
| partridges | covey | A covey of partridges |
| pathologists | body | A body of pathologists |
| patients | virtue | A virtue of patients |
| peacocks | muster | A muster of peacocks |
| pearls | string | A string of pearls |
| peas | pod | A pod of peas |
| peasants | toil | A toil of peasants |
| pediatricians | shot | A shot of pediatricians |
| pelicans | colony | A colony of pelicans |
| penguins | colony | A colony of penguins |
| people | crowd | A crowd of people |
| perch | pack | A pack of perch |
| percussionists | meter | A meter of percussionists |
| peregrines | cadge | A cadge of peregrines |
| performers | troupe | A troupe of performers |
| pharmacists | tincture | A tincture of pharmacists |
| pheasants | bouquet | A bouquet of pheasants |
| philatelists | stampede | A stampede of philatelists |
| philosophers | ponder | A ponder of philosophers |
| photographers | snap | A snap of photographers |
| photographs | album | An album of photographs |
| physicians | college | A college of physicians |
| physicists | nucleus | A nucleus of physicists |
| physiotherapists | exercise | An exercise of physiotherapists |
| pianists | pound | A pound of pianists |
| pictures | portfolio | A portfolio of pictures |
| pigeons | flock | A flock of pigeons |
| piglets | litter | A litter of piglets |
| pigs | herd | A herd of pigs |
| pilchards | shoal | A shoal of pilchards |
| pilots | yoke | A yoke of pilots |
| pintails | knob | A knob of pintails |
| pipers | poverty | A poverty of pipers |
| pirates | band | A band of pirates |
| planes | flight | A flight of planes |
| plants | nursery | A nursery of plants |
| plastic surgeons | flap | A flap of plastic surgeons |
| players | team | A team of players |
| playing cards | deck | A deck of playing cards |
| plovers | congregation | A congregation of plovers |
| plumbers | flush | A flush of plumbers |
| plums | basket | A basket of plums |
| pochard | rush | A rush of pochard |
| podiatrists | blister | A blister of podiatrists |
| poems | anthology | An anthology of poems |
| poets | iamb | An iamb of poets |
| poker players | stud | A stud of poker players |
| polar bears | aurora | An aurora of polar bears |
| polecats | chine | A chine of polecats |
| police | posse | A posse of police |
| politicians | equivocation | An equivocation of politicians |
| ponies | string | A string of ponies |
| Poodles | salon | A salon of Poodles |
| porcupines | prickle | A prickle of porcupines |
| porpoises | school | A school of porpoises |
| porters | grip | A grip of porters |
| portfolio managers | stock | A stock of portfolio managers |
| posers | posse | A posse of posers |
| possums | passel | A passel of possums |
| postal workers | parcel | A parcel of postal workers |
| potholes | whiplash | A whiplash of potholes |
| pottage | mess | A mess of pottage |
| potters | wheel | A wheel of potters |
| poultry | run | A run of poultry |
| prairie dogs | coterie | A coterie of prairie dogs |
| preachers | converting | A converting of preachers |
| priests | mass | A mass of priests |
| prima donnas | spite | A spite of prima donnas |
| princes | state | A state of princes |
| princesses | royalty | A royalty of princesses |
| principals | lack | A lack of principals |
| prisoners | pity | A pity of prisoners |
| proctologists | pile | A pile of proctologists |
| producers | panic | A panic of producers |
| professions | gamut | A gamut of professions |
| professors | tenure | A tenure of professors |
| programmers | archive | An archive of programmers |
| proofreaders | squint | A squint of proofreaders |
| prose | anthology | An anthology of prose |
| prostitutes | stable | A stable of prostitutes |
| psychoanalysts | dream | A dream of psychoanalysts |
| psychologists | complex | A complex of psychologists |
| psychotherapists | interpretation | An interpretation of psychotherapists |
| ptarmigans | parliament | A parliament of ptarmigans |
| public speakers | twaddle | A twaddle of public speakers |
| puddles | splash | A splash of puddles |
| puffins | raft | A raft of puffins |
| pugs | grumble | A grumble of pugs |
| pulmonologists | consolidation | A consolidation of pulmonologists |
| puma | prowl | A prowl of puma |
| puns | groan | A groan of puns |
| puppies | litter | A litter of puppies |
| pyromaniacs | blaze | A blaze of pyromaniacs |
List of collective nouns starting with Q
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| quail | bevy | A bevy of quail |
| Quakers | meeting | A meeting of Quakers |
| quarterbacks | sack | A sack of quarterbacks |
| questions | number | A number of questions |
| quilts | hotbed | A hotbed of quilts |
R - List of collective nouns starting with R
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| rabbits | colony | A colony of rabbits |
| raccoons | gaze | A gaze of raccoons |
| racehorses | string | A string of racehorses |
| radiologists | scan | A scan of radiologists |
| radiologists | series | A series of radiologists |
| rags | bundle | A bundle of rags |
| rams | battery | A battery of rams |
| rats | pack | A pack of rats |
| rattlesnakes | rhumba | A rhumba of rattlesnakes |
| ravens | unkindness | An unkindness of ravens |
| realtors | lot | A lot of realtors |
| reasons | rainbow | A rainbow of reasons |
| rebuttals | quiver | A quiver of rebuttals |
| redwing | crowd | A crowd of redwing |
| reeds | clump | A clump of reeds |
| refugees | flight | A flight of refugees |
| reindeer | herd | A herd of reindeer |
| relatives | descent | A descent of relatives |
| repairmen | overcharge | An overcharge of repairmen |
| reporters | scoop | A scoop of reporters |
| reviewers | pan | A pan of reviewers |
| rhinoceroses | crash | A crash of rhinoceroses |
| riches | embarrassment | An embarrassment of riches |
| rioters | melee | A melee of rioters |
| robbers | band | A band of robbers |
| robins | worm | A worm of robins |
| roe deer | bevy | A bevy of roe deer |
| robots | cog | A cog of robots |
| rooks | building | A building of rooks |
| rooms | suite | A suite of rooms |
| roses | bouquet | A bouquet of roses |
| ruffs | hill | A hill of ruffs |
| ruins | heap | A heap of ruins |
| runners | field | A field of runners |
List of collective nouns starting with S
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| sailors | crew | A crew of sailors |
| saints | calendar | A calendar of saints |
| salesmen | sample | A sample of salesmen |
| salmon | bind | A bind of salmon |
| salt | lot | A lot of salt |
| sand | heap | A heap of sand |
| sandpipers | fling | A fling of sandpipers |
| sardines | family | A family of sardines |
| satellites | orbit | An orbit of satellites |
| savages | horde | A horde of savages |
| scholars | brow | A brow of scholars |
| schoolboys | rout | A rout of schoolboys |
| Scots | clan | A clan of Scots |
| seagulls | flock | A flock of seagulls |
| Sea horses | herd | A herd of Sea horses |
| seals | herd | A herd of seals |
| seamstresses | scolding | A scolding of seamstresses |
| seismologists | quake | A quake of seismologists |
| senators | house | A house of senators |
| seniors | attitude | An attitude of seniors |
| sergeants | subtlety | A subtlety of sergeants |
| sermons | squash | A squash of sermons |
| servants | obeisance | An obeisance of servants |
| shad | shoal | A shoal of shad |
| sharks | school | A school of sharks |
| sheep | herd | A herd of sheep |
| sheldrakes | dopping | A dopping of sheldrakes |
| shells | salvo | A salvo of shells |
| shepherds | Sodom | A Sodom of shepherds |
| sheriffs | posse | A posse of sheriffs |
| ships | fleet | A fleet of ships |
| shoemakers | blackening | A blackening of shoemakers |
| shoes | scandal | A scandal of shoes |
| shoppers | crush | A crush of shoppers |
| shopping carts | samba | A samba of shopping carts |
| shrimps | troup | A troup of shrimps |
| silk-screens | pull | A pull of silk-screens |
| silk | skein | A skein of silk |
| similes | superfluity | A superfluity of similes |
| singers | choir | A choir of singers |
| sirens | wail | A wail of sirens |
| skunks | stench | A stench of skunks |
| slaves | coffle | A coffle of slaves |
| sloths | slumber | A slumber of sloths |
| slugs | cornucopia | A cornucopia of slugs |
| smokers | billow | A billow of smokers |
| snails | rout | A rout of snails |
| snakes | den | A den of snakes |
| snipe | whisper | A whisper of snipe |
| snow | blanket | A blanket of snow |
| software | crash | A crash of software |
| soldiers | army | An army of soldiers |
| sophomores | platitude | A platitude of sophomores |
| sopranos | sweetness | A sweetness of sopranos |
| sparrows | host | A host of sparrows |
| spiders | cluster | A cluster of spiders |
| spies | duplicity | A duplicity of spies |
| sponsors | splurge | A splurge of sponsors |
| squirrels | scurry | A scurry of squirrels |
| stairs | flight | A flight of stairs |
| stalkers | following | A following of stalkers |
| stamps | album | An album of stamps |
| starfish | galaxy | A galaxy of starfish |
| starlets | galaxy | A galaxy of starlets |
| starlings | murmuration | A murmuration of starlings |
| stars | galaxy | A galaxy of stars |
| statisticians | number | A number of statisticians |
| steps | flight | A flight of steps |
| stewards | credence | A credence of stewards |
| sticklebacks | spread | A spread of sticklebacks |
| sticks | fagot | A fagot of sticks |
| stingrays | fever | A fever of stingrays |
| stoats | pack | A pack of stoats |
| stockbrokers | portfolio | A portfolio of stockbrokers |
| storks | muster | A muster of storks |
| strawberries | punnet | A punnet of strawberries |
| strumpets | flourish | A flourish of strumpets |
| students | class | A class of students |
| submarines | pack | A pack of submarines |
| suitcases | pack | A pack of suitcases |
| suitors | swarm | A swarm of suitors |
| summoners | untruth | An untruth of summoners |
| sundays | month | A month of sundays |
| surfers | wave | A wave of surfers |
| surgeons | stitch | A stitch of surgeons |
| surgeons | incision | An incision of surgeons |
| surprises | boo | A boo of surprises |
| surveyors | chain | A chain of surveyors |
| suspects | fidget | A fidget of suspects |
| swallows | flight | A flight of swallows |
| swans | bevy | A bevy of swans |
| swifts | flock | A flock of swifts |
| swimmers | raft | A raft of swimmers |
| swindlers | scheme | A scheme of swindlers |
| swine | sounder | A sounder of swine |
| swingers | orgy | An orgy of swingers |
| Swiss | watch | A watch of Swiss |
| swordfish | flotilla | A flotilla of swordfish |
| sycophants | gush | A gush of sycophants |
List of collective nouns starting with T
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| tailors | disguising | A disguising of tailors |
| tanks | clank | A clank of tanks |
| tapirs | candle | A candle of tapirs |
| tapsters | promise | A promise of tapsters |
| tarts | jam | A jam of tarts |
| tasks | agenda | An agenda of tasks |
| taxis | charge | A charge of taxis |
| teachers | staff | A staff of teachers |
| teals | spring | A spring of teals |
| teddy bears | hug | A hug of teddy bears |
| teenagers | attitude | An attitude of teenagers |
| teeth | rage | A rage of teeth |
| telecom workers | broadband | A broadband of telecom workers |
| termites | colony | A colony of termites |
| terriers | terror | A terror of terriers |
| testicles | clutch | A clutch of testicles |
| tests | battery | A battery of tests |
| Texans | mob | A mob of Texans |
| thieves | gang | A gang of thieves |
| things | bunch | A bunch of things |
| thrushes | mutation | A mutation of thrushes |
| tigers | streak | A streak of tigers |
| toads | knot | A knot of toads |
| tomatoes | clutch | A clutch of tomatoes |
| tomorrows | promise | A promise of tomorrows |
| tools | set | A set of tools |
| tortoises | creep | A creep of tortoises |
| toucans | durante | A durante of toucans |
| tourists | flock | A flock of tourists |
| toys | assembly | An assembly of toys |
| trains | postponement | A postponement of trains |
| trainers | torment | A torment of trainers |
| tranquilizers | equanimity | An equanimity of tranquilizers |
| transvestites | travesty | A travesty of transvestites |
| trash | heap | A heap of trash |
| treasure | trove | A trove of treasure |
| trees | clump | A clump of trees |
| troops | parel | A parel of troops |
| troubles | sea | A sea of troubles |
| trout | hover | A hover of trout |
| trucks | convoy | A convoy of trucks |
| trumpets | flourish | A flourish of trumpets |
| trustees | board | A board of trustees |
| truths | pithy | A pithy of truths |
| tuba players | tumult | A tumult of tuba players |
| tuna | float | A float of tuna |
| turds | steam | A steam of turds |
| turkeys | raffle | A raffle of turkeys |
| turtledoves | pitying | A pitying of turtledoves |
| turtles | bale | A bale of turtles |
List of collective nouns starting with U
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| umbrellas | phalanx | A phalanx of umbrellas |
| umpires | panel | A panel of umpires |
| undertakers | unction | An unction of undertakers |
| unicorns | blessing | A blessing of unicorns |
| urologists | stream | A stream of urologists |
| used car salesmen | great deal | A great deal of used car salesmen |
| ushers | seat | A seat of ushers |
| utensils | set | A set of utensils |
List of collective nouns starting with V
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| vacationers | peel | A peel of vacationers |
| vampires | coven | A coven of vampires |
| vans | fleet | A fleet of vans |
| vegetables | basket | A basket of vegetables |
| vegetarians | sprig | A sprig of vegetarians |
| vehicles | convoy | A convoy of vehicles |
| vendors | haggle | A haggle of vendors |
| vessels | fleet | A fleet of vessels |
| vicars | prudence | A prudence of vicars |
| violinists | string | A string of violinists |
| vipers | nest | A nest of vipers |
| voles | colony | A colony of voles |
| voters | constituency | A constituency of voters |
| vultures | wake | A wake of vultures |
List of collective nouns starting with W
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| wagers | book | A book of wagers |
| waiters | absence | An absence of waiters |
| walkers | amble | An amble of walkers |
| wallabies | mob | A mob of wallabies |
| walruses | herd | A herd of walruses |
| warships | armada | An armada of warships |
| warthogs | sounder | A sounder of warthogs |
| washing machines | shudder | A shudder of washing machines |
| wasps | nest | A nest of wasps |
| waterfowl | plump | A plump of waterfowl |
| weapons | cache | A cache of weapons |
| weasels | sneak | A sneak of weasels |
| weavers | shuttle | A shuttle of weavers |
| whales | school | A school of whales |
| wheat | sheaf | A sheaf of wheat |
| whelps | litter | A litter of whelps |
| whiting | pod | A pod of whiting |
| whores | parliament | A parliament of whores |
| widgeon | company | A company of widgeon |
| widows | ambush | An ambush of widows |
| wildcats | destruction | A destruction of wildcats |
| wildebeest | herd | A herd of wildebeest |
| wild boars | sounder | A sounder of wild boars |
| wildfowl | plump | A plump of wildfowl |
| willows | bend | A bend of willows |
| windmills | tilt | A tilt of windmills |
| wine tasters | bouquet | A bouquet of wine tasters |
| wing commanders | flush | A flush of wing commanders |
| winners | shout | A shout of winners |
| winnings | purse | A purse of winnings |
| witches | coven | A coven of witches |
| wives | impatience | An impatience of wives |
| wizards | congeries | A congeries of wizards |
| wolves | pack | A pack of wolves |
| wombats | mob | A mob of wombats |
| women | gaggle | A gaggle of women |
| wood | cord | A cord of wood |
| woodcocks | fall | A fall of woodcocks |
| woodpeckers | descent | A descent of woodpeckers |
| woodwinds | cord | A cord of woodwinds |
| wool | bale | A bale of wool |
| words | charm | A charm of words |
| workers | team | A team of workers |
| worms | clew | A clew of worms |
| worshipers | congregation | A congregation of worshipers |
| wrens | herd | A herd of wrens |
| wrestlers | clutch | A clutch of wrestlers |
| writers | worship | A worship of writers |
List of collective nouns starting with Y
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| yachts | fleet | A fleet of yachts |
| yaks | herd | A herd of yaks |
| years | score | A score of years |
| yeomen | fellowship | A fellowship of yeomen |
| yesterdays | flight | A flight of yesterdays |
| yogurt | assortment | An assortment of yogurt |
| youths | optimism | An optimism of youths |
List of collective nouns starting with Z
| Subject | Collective Noun | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| zebras | herd | A herd of zebras |
| zombies | stench | A stench of zombies |
If you’ve ever wondered why a group of crows is called a murder or a bunch of cats is a clowder, congratulations—you’re about to embark on an adventure through the quirky, hilarious, and often downright weird realm of collective nouns. Hold on to your hats (or should I say a hat rack of hats?), because this is going to be fun!
What Exactly Is a Collective Noun?
A collective noun is a word that refers to a group of people, animals, or things. Instead of listing each individual in the group, collective nouns allow us to describe them all in one fell swoop. For example, instead of saying, "Look at all those birds!" you can say, "Look at that flock of birds!" Fancy, right?
A Menagerie of Common Collective Nouns
Collective nouns range from the everyday to the absurd. Here are a few you’ve probably heard:
- A flock of birds
- A school of fish
- A herd of cattle
- A pack of wolves
- A bunch of bananas
- A team of players
These are your bread-and-butter collective nouns, the ones you can use at parties to sound smart, but what makes collective nouns really fun are the more exotic ones. Let’s dive into those.
The Quirky Side of Collective Nouns
Collective nouns for animals, in particular, get downright bizarre. Here are some of the more delightful oddballs:
- A murder of crows: Talk about dark. This one sounds like it should come with a soundtrack of ominous organ music.
- A parliament of owls: Whooo’s making the laws? Apparently, wise old owls are!
- A pride of lions: Lions are majestic and regal, so they get a pride. Makes sense, doesn’t it?
- An ostentation of peacocks: Because if there’s one bird that knows how to show off, it’s the peacock.
- A crash of rhinoceroses: Yes, that sounds about right. Just imagine rhinos running toward you—crash indeed.
- A prickle of porcupines: Don’t get too close to this group.
- A bloat of hippopotamuses: When you've been eating too much on holiday, you and your friends can definitely form a bloat.
Then there are the collective nouns for people:
- A board of directors: For when people sit around a table and decide things.
- A bevy of beauties: A slightly old-fashioned term for a group of attractive women.
- A panel of experts: Or so they say.
- A mob of fans: Usually chasing celebrities, and likely to trample you in the process.
Collective Nouns in Literature and Language
Collective nouns have crept into idioms and phrases that you probably use without realizing. For example:
- "A hive of activity": This one conjures up an image of bees buzzing around, busy with their day.
- "A pack of lies": A collection of falsehoods, all stacked up nicely like a bad sandwich.
- "A crew of sailors": A very common one, used for any group of people working together, especially on a boat.
In Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part 1," Falstaff refers to his men as a parcel of rogues—and who wouldn't want to hang out with a parcel of anything?
Jokes and Humor Around Collective Nouns
The world of collective nouns is ripe for wordplay and humor. You can make up your own collective nouns to suit the occasion. Here are a few laughs to lighten the mood:
Why did the grammar teacher get detention?
She got caught making a gang of commas—it was a comma splice.
Why do collective nouns go to therapy?
Because they're constantly struggling to get it together!
I walked into a meeting full of pun lovers. What do you call that?
A groan of punsters.
Collective Noun Facts: Who Comes Up With This Stuff?
Collective nouns, especially the more unique ones, often originate from medieval times. In the 15th century, books like “The Book of St. Albans” (1486) started compiling collective nouns, particularly for animals. This was the Instagram of its time—people used it to show off their knowledge. After all, what better way to sound sophisticated than to know that a group of ferrets is called a business?
Some collective nouns were likely based on observations of the creatures themselves. For example, a murder of crows might come from their association with death and the dark, foreboding atmosphere they can bring when they flock together. Meanwhile, a skulk of foxes is based on their sneaky, slinking nature.
But here’s the fun part: You can coin new collective nouns! Language is always evolving, so don’t be afraid to create your own. How about a giggle of toddlers? Or maybe a procrastination of students?
Phrasal Verbs With a Collective Twist
Phrasal verbs, or verbs combined with prepositions, can also be fun with collective nouns. Imagine:
- "Rounding up" a herd: This one’s classic, especially if you’re a cowboy.
- "Filling in" a team: When you need that last-minute sub.
- "Breaking up" a mob: Whether it’s fans, protestors, or that wild gaggle of geese on the highway.
Collective Nouns in the Wild: Let’s Get Creative
Let’s take a moment to imagine what some modern-day collective nouns could be. With the explosion of technology, social media, and ahem odd behaviors, here are some suggestions for the 21st century:
- A scroll of social media influencers: Because they never end, and neither does the scrolling.
- A cringe of TikTok dances: Self-explanatory, really.
- A glitch of gamers: When the lag is real.
- A download of podcasts: The only thing multiplying faster than rabbits these days.
Collective Nouns Are the Spice of Language
Collective nouns add color and character to language. Whether you’re talking about a gaggle of geese or a giggle of toddlers, there’s no denying that these words pack a punch. So the next time you find yourself among a crowd of people, why not impress them with your knowledge of collective nouns? You might even get a laugh—or at least a collective groan of appreciation.