gaggle
Americanverb (used without object)
noun
-
a flock of geese when not flying.
-
an often noisy or disorderly group or gathering.
a politician followed by a gaggle of supporters.
-
an assortment of related things.
verb
noun
-
a flock of geese
-
informal a disorderly group of people
-
a gabbling or cackling sound
Etymology
Origin of gaggle
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English verb gagelen ; of imitative origin
Explanation
A gaggle is a group of geese. You can also describe a bunch of people milling around in a disorganized way as a gaggle. Gaggle is a word known as a "term of venery," a collective noun used to describe a particular group of animals. When a bunch of geese waddle around on the ground, that's a gaggle of geese. If those same geese were flying overhead, you'd call them a flock or a skein instead. Gaggle is also useful for describing a disorderly or chaotic group of people: "I was surrounded by a gaggle of three-year-olds eager to pet my puppy."
Vocabulary lists containing gaggle
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But unlike the tradwife with her gaggle of youngsters underfoot, the orangutan mother sustains this intense caretaking by spacing her kids seven or so years apart.
From Slate • May 10, 2026
A gaggle of reporters and neighbors loitered around the property filming as a helicopter hovered overhead.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026
Last November two members of the Try Guys, a gaggle of broadcasters best known for their experimental exploits on YouTube, made a startling admission to fans: Their podcasts were hemorrhaging money.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
This week, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi wisited the White House that ended with a press gaggle.
From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026
Ivan’s four other brothers followed in a gaggle, and their parents trailed after them.
From Anya and the Nightingale by Sofiya Pasternack
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
