flock

A group of birds together.

• A flock flew overhead.
• We watched a flock of geese land.
• Several flocks gathered near the lake.

How to use it: a flock of birds (A flock of birds settled on the roof.)

Similar words: congregation

Common phrases: flock of birds, migrating flock, flock of geese

A group of animals, especially sheep, kept or moving together.

• The flock is in the field.
• A shepherd led his flock down the hill.
• They keep two small flocks of sheep.

How to use it: a flock of sheep (A flock of sheep blocked the road.)

Similar words: herd

Common phrases: flock of sheep, small flock, grazing flock

To go somewhere or gather together in large numbers.

• Tourists flock here in summer.
• Fans flocked to the stadium.
• Shoppers are flocking into the new store.

How to use it: flock to somewhere (Visitors flock to the coast every summer.); flock around someone/something (Reporters flocked around the singer.)

Similar words: crowd, gather

Opposites: disperse

Common phrases: flock to somewhere, flock together, flock into somewhere

To cover a surface with many short, thin fibres, making it soft or slightly furry.

• They flock the fabric with fine fibres.
• The company flocked the handles for a softer grip.
• This machine can flock large surfaces evenly.

Common phrases: flock a surface, flock the fabric