gather
verb (used with object)
to bring together into one group, collection, or place.
had gathered
-
past perfectof gather.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
News agency TT reported that worried parents had gathered outside the school.
From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026
In the park of the Temple of Amun, near the centre, hundreds of onlookers had gathered despite the stifling August heat.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
BBC Scotland's Selena Jackson said 50-60 people had gathered there to watch the spectacle.
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
Saturday in Berlin’s Tiergarten park near the iconic Brandenburg Gate, where hundreds of thousands of people had gathered throughout the day for Christopher Street Day, one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations.
From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2026
Students had gathered on the hockey field nearby, burning paper effigies of Gowon around a glowing bonfire; the smoke curled into the night air and mixed with their laughter and chatter.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
