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

In the first year under a new law with a bevy of new breaks, there can be a lot of bad tax advice out there.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Next best thing: Get your semiquincentennial firework fix for free at Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of that city’s massive celebrations, which also include a bevy of free concerts and parades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

After its fire-bombing, Tokyo founded a bevy of symphony orchestras as a phenomenal experiment in mass antidepression.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Viewers are treated to a bevy of footage, including Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Pearl Ann, home from college, served punch while Mrs. Larkin held court with a bevy of women.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool