flock
flok
/flɒk/
A group of birds, sheep, or goats assembled or herded together.
Implies a cohesive social group that moves and feeds together for mutual protection and social structure.
The story behind the word. In Old English, 'flocc' referred to a company or troop of people. Over the centuries, its primary meaning shifted from human assemblies to groups of animals, particularly sheep and birds, reflecting the pastoral nature of early English society.
Word relationships
- herd: Herd is used for hoofed mammals like cattle or deer, while flock is reserved for birds, sheep, and goats.
- band: Band implies a loose, informal group of animals or humans, whereas flock suggests a highly organized, cohesive unit.
- solitary: Solitary describes an animal that lives and hunts alone, the opposite of a flock animal.
Commonly confused with
- pack: A pack refers to a group of predatory animals (like wolves or dogs) that hunt together, while a flock consists of prey animals that gather for safety.
Word family
- flocking (noun): The collective behavior of a group of birds.
Collocations
- flock of birds
- manage a flock
- flock together
- poultry flock
Idioms & expressions
- birds of a feather flock together (people of similar character associate with one another)
Example sentences
- "The entire flock of geese took flight simultaneously when they heard the loud backfire of the tractor." Observing farm animals.
- "Introducing new birds to an established flock must be done slowly to prevent aggressive territorial behavior." Managing a backyard farm.
Memory hook
A flock is a 'block' of feathered friends moving together. Flock: a block of birds.
When not to use
Do not use for herds of large mammals like cows or horses, or packs of predators like wolves.
Fun facts
- When birds flock together in flight, they often use aerodynamic formations like the 'V' shape to conserve energy by riding on the updraft created by the bird in front.
Related words
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