bevy

American  

[bev-ee] / ˈbɛv i /

noun

plural

bevies

1. a group of birds, as larks or quail, or animals, as roebuck, in close association.

   Synonyms:

   brood, flight, covey

2. a large group or collection.

   a bevy of boisterous sailors.

   Synonyms:

   company, assembly

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bevy British  

/ ˈbɛvɪ /

noun

1. a flock of quails

2. a group, esp of girls

3. a group of roedeer

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Etymology

Origin of bevy

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English bevey, of obscure origin

Explanation

A bevy is a flock of birds. Although the term can be used for a variety of birds, it most often refers specifically to a bevy of quail. Other terms exist to describe flocks of other types of birds — a murder of crows, for example. A bevy can also describe a large gathering of people, usually of the same type (a bevy of schoolchildren; a bevy of tourists). Most often, however, bevy is used to refer to a gathering of women. At a family reunion, you may find your grandmother holding court in the kitchen with a bevy of female relations. Young, attractive women are sometimes referred to, somewhat poetically, as "a bevy of beauties."

Example Sentences

A pop-up vaccination clinic is now available at The Bevy community pub, on Hillside, in Brighton.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

Bevy Smith and Terrence J will host next week, Variety reported, with former “The View” co-host Shepherd coming back the following week and staying through the end of the season.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2022

Speaking on the Radio Andy show "Bevelations," Bevy Smith asked the latest member of "The Talk" family what it was like to take over amid one of the show's biggest controversies to date.

From Fox News • Sep. 16, 2021

Bevy Smith: I spent two decades pursuing this career, and I became the fashion/advertising director.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2021

"Why, Bevy, how you talk!" commented Mrs. Batjer.

From The Titan by Dreiser, Theodore