muster
MUSS-ter
/ˈmʌs.tər/
To assemble or gather passengers or crew members, especially for inspection, roll call, or safety drills.
Implies an organized, mandatory assembly called for administrative, safety, or military purposes.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'monstrer', from Latin 'monstrare' (to show). Soldiers or sailors were gathered together so commanders could 'show' and inspect their equipment and headcount.
Word relationships
- assemble: 'Assemble' is a general term for putting things or people together; 'muster' carries formal/military roll-call discipline.
- convene: 'Convene' is used for formal meetings and judicial proceedings.
- disperse: To scatter or spread out in various directions.
- dismiss: To officially order people to leave or break up an assembly.
Commonly confused with
- mustard: 'Mustard' is a yellow condiment; 'muster' is to gather or assemble.
Word family
- mistered (verb): Past tense of muster.
Collocations
- muster drill
- muster station
- muster point
- pass muster
Idioms & expressions
- pass muster (to meet required standards)
Example sentences
- "All passengers must muster at their designated life raft stations within fifteen minutes." Cruise safety announcement
- "The captain called a general muster on the main deck to inspect the entire crew." Nautical fiction
Memory hook
MUST-er means you MUST gather for the safety drill. MUSTER = MUST assemble.
When not to use
Do not use for casual informal hangouts or unplanned coffee chats.
Fun facts
- International maritime law requires a safety muster drill before or immediately upon a ship leaving port.
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