congregate
verb (used without object)
to come together; assemble, especially in large numbers.
were congregating
-
past progressiveof congregate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
So when he heard on social media that Germans were congregating in Times Square, Altmeks readily pulled on a jersey of his hero Rudi Voller -- plus a wig mimicking the famed striker's blond curls.
From Barron's ● Jun. 27, 2026
But until recently, scientists weren’t sure why these otherwise solitary animals were congregating.
From Scientific American ● Aug. 23, 2023
The officer added that Southwest had called the police because travelers were congregating near a gate that needed to be closed.
From New York Times ● Dec. 29, 2022
But people also were congregating for the July 4 celebration in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 3, 2021
“You may leave us,” said the Hamadryad to the Brown Bear who, after bowing humbly, ran off with his cap in his hand to where all the other animals were congregating round Mary Poppins.
From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers
