clowder
KLOW-der
/ˈklaʊdər/
A group or collective noun for cats.
Clowder is a highly specific, whimsical collective noun. It is rarely used in casual speech but is beloved by writers, poets, and trivia enthusiasts.
The story behind the word. Clowder is a late Middle English variant of the word 'clutter', which originally meant a thick clot or a crowded, messy mass. Over time, 'clutter' became associated with messy rooms, while 'clowder' became the dedicated collective noun for a crowded mass of cats.
Word relationships
- colony: Colony is the standard scientific term for a group of feral cats living together, whereas clowder is a traditional, literary collective noun.
- pride: Pride is the specific collective noun for a group of lions, whereas clowder is used for domestic or small cats.
Commonly confused with
- chowder: Chowder is a thick seafood soup, while clowder is a group of cats.
Collocations
- clowder of cats
- feral clowder
- stray clowder
Example sentences
- "A colorful clowder of cats had taken over the sunny steps of the old town hall." An imaginative description of a village overrun by stray cats.
- "The local clowder gathered near the docks every evening when the fishing boats returned." Describing the social organization of feral felines.
Memory hook
A 'clowder' is a 'crowd' of 'cluttered' cats sleeping together. Clowder = Cat crowd.
When not to use
Do not use clowder for any animals other than cats. In everyday conversation, 'group of cats' or 'colony' is much more common and less likely to confuse listeners.
Fun facts
- While 'clowder' is the collective noun for adult cats, a group of kittens is called a 'kindle' or a 'litter'.
- Feral clowders are usually matriarchal, meaning they are led and organized by female cats who cooperate to raise their young.
Related words
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