List of Collective Nouns
Last Updated: May 5, 2025
What is a collective noun?
A collective noun is a word referring to a collection of things taken as a whole. The words army, flock, and herd are all examples of collective nouns. These nouns are all singular nouns but they refer to a group of people, animals or things. In most cases, collective nouns use singular verbs. That’s because collective nouns refer to a group of multiple people or things as a single unit or entity. Given below is the complete list of all collective nouns in English with usage examples
List of collective nouns starting with A
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| aardvarks | armoury | An armoury of aardvarks |
| academics | faculty | A faculty of academics |
| accidents | pile | A pile of accidents |
| accountants | balance | A balance of accountants |
| acrobats | troupe | A troupe of acrobats |
| activities | schedule | A schedule of activities |
| actors | cast | A cast of actors |
| actresses | entrance | An entrance of actresses |
| actuaries | table | A table of actuaries |
| adders | sum | A sum of adders |
| administrators | network | A network of administrators |
| admirals | bridge | A bridge of admirals |
| adolescents | acne | An acne of adolescents |
| advocates | argument | An argument of advocates |
| aeroplanes | flight | A flight of aeroplanes |
| agents | deal | A deal of agents |
| aircraft | flight | A flight of aircraft |
| albatrosses | rookery | A rookery of albatrosses |
| aliens (extraterrestrial) | attack | An attack of aliens |
| aliens (noncitizens) | boatload | A boatload of aliens |
| alligators | congregation | A congregation of alligators |
| alpacas | herd | A herd of alpacas |
| ambassadors | delegation | A delegation of ambassadors |
| ambulances | fleet | A fleet of ambulances |
| ammunition | cache | A cache of ammunition |
| amoebas | ooze | An ooze of amoebas |
| anaesthetists | slumber | A slumber of anaesthetists |
| anatomists | corps | A corps of anatomists |
| anatomists | Gray | A Gray of anatomists |
| angels | host | A host of angels |
| anglers | catch | A catch of anglers |
| animals | herd | A herd of animals |
| antelopes | herd | A herd of antelopes |
| ants | army | An army of ants |
| apartments | block | A block of apartments |
| apes | shrewdness | A shrewdness of apes |
| apples | bushel | A bushel of apples |
| apple trees | orchard | An orchard of apple trees |
| archer fish | company | A company of archer fish |
| archers | company | A company of archers |
| architects | rendering | A rendering of architects |
| armadillos | roll | A roll of armadillos |
| armoured cars | column | A column of armoured cars |
| arms | cache | A cache of arms |
| arrows | quiver | A quiver of arrows |
| art | museum | A museum of art |
| artillery | battery | A battery of artillery |
| artistes | troupe | A troupe of artistes |
| asparagus | bundle | A bundle of asparagus |
| asses | herd | A herd of asses |
| asteroids | belt | A belt of asteroids |
| astrologers | knot | A knot of astrologers |
| astronauts | trajectory | A trajectory of astronauts |
| astronomers | galaxy | A galaxy of astronomers |
| athletes | team | A team of athletes |
| attendants | entourage | An entourage of attendants |
| attorneys | greed | A greed of attorneys |
| auctioneers | hammer | A hammer of auctioneers |
| auks | flock | A flock of auks |
| aunts | suffocation | A suffocation of aunts |
| Aussies | outback | An outback of Aussies |
| authors | advance | An advance of authors |
| avocets | colony | A colony of avocets |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with B
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| baboons | troop | A troop of baboons |
| bachelors | score | A score of bachelors |
| bacteria | culture | A culture of bacteria |
| badgers | cete | A cete of badgers |
| bakers | aroma | An aroma of bakers |
| balloons | festival | A festival of balloons |
| bananas | hand | A hand of bananas |
| bankers | wunch | A wunch of bankers |
| baptists | immersion | An immersion of baptists |
| barbers | babble | A babble of barbers |
| barons | thought | A thought of barons |
| barracuda | battery | A battery of barracuda |
| bartenders | promise | A promise of bartenders |
| bass | fleet | A fleet of bass |
| bats | colony | A colony of bats |
| beads | string | A string of beads |
| beans | hill | A hill of beans |
| bears | sleuth | A sleuth of bears |
| beauties | bevy | A bevy of beauties |
| beautiful ladies | bevy | A bevy of beautiful ladies |
| beavers | colony | A colony of beavers |
| bees | swarm | A swarm of bees |
| beggars | fighting | A fighting of beggars |
| bells | peal | A peal of bells |
| bills | wad | A wad of bills |
| birds | flock | A flock of birds |
| bishops | bench | A bench of bishops |
| bison | gang | A gang of bison |
| bitterns | sedge | A sedge of bitterns |
| blankets | swelter | A swelter of blankets |
| bloodhounds | sute | A sute of bloodhounds |
| blossoms | flourish | A flourish of blossoms |
| boars | herd | A herd of boars |
| boats | fleet | A fleet of boats |
| bobolinks | chain | A chain of bobolinks |
| bombs | cluster | A cluster of bombs |
| bookkeepers | audit | An audit of bookkeepers |
| books | library | A library of books |
| bottles | couple | A couple of bottles |
| bowls | set | A set of bowls |
| boxers | ring | A ring of boxers |
| boys | blush | A blush of boys |
| brats | passel | A passel of brats |
| bread | batch | A batch of bread |
| bridegrooms | thrall | A thrall of bridegrooms |
| brides | thrill | A thrill of brides |
| bucks | herd | A herd of bucks |
| budgerigars | flock | A flock of budgerigars |
| buffaloes | herd | A herd of buffaloes |
| bullets | shower | A shower of bullets |
| bullfinches | bellowing | A bellowing of bullfinches |
| bullocks | drove | A drove of bullocks |
| bureaucrats | shuffle | A shuffle of bureaucrats |
| buses | fleet | A fleet of buses |
| busboys | spill | A spill of busboys |
| bushes | hedge | A hedge of bushes |
| bustards | flock | A flock of bustards |
| butchers | goring | A goring of butchers |
| butlers | draught | A draught of butlers |
| butterflies | flight | A flight of butterflies |
| butterfly fish | school | A school of butterfly fish |
| buzzards | wake | A wake of buzzards |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with C
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| camels | flock | A flock of camels |
| canaries | opera | An opera of canaries |
| candidates | slate | A slate of candidates |
| candies | mint | A mint of candies |
| canyons | maze | A maze of canyons |
| capitalists | syndicate | A syndicate of capitalists |
| cardinals | conclave | A conclave of cardinals |
| cardiologists | clot | A clot of cardiologists |
| cards | deck | A deck of cards |
| caribou | herd | A herd of caribou |
| carpenters | pound | A pound of carpenters |
| cars | fleet | A fleet of cars |
| caterpillars | army | An army of caterpillars |
| Catholics | mass | A mass of Catholics |
| cats | clowder | A clowder of cats |
| cattle | herd | A herd of cattle |
| cavalry | squadron | A squadron of cavalry |
| cellists | parenthesis | A parenthesis of cellists |
| cellphones | babel | A babel of cellphones |
| censors | omitting | An omitting of censors |
| chairs | fold | A fold of chairs |
| chamois | herd | A herd of chamois |
| chartered planes | fleet | A fleet of chartered planes |
| cheerleaders | frenzy | A frenzy of cheerleaders |
| cheetahs | coalition | A coalition of cheetahs |
| chefs | soupçon | A soupçon of chefs |
| chemists | colloid | A colloid of chemists |
| chess players | board | A board of chess players |
| chickens | brood | A brood of chickens |
| children | ingratitude | An ingratitude of children |
| chimpanzees | whoop | A whoop of chimpanzees |
| chinchillas | herd | A herd of chinchillas |
| choughs | chattering | A chattering of choughs |
| churchgoers | congregation | A congregation of churchgoers |
| churls | cluster | A cluster of churls |
| circuits | bank | A bank of circuits |
| clams | bed | A bed of clams |
| clerks | school | A school of clerks |
| clothes | bundle | A bundle of clothes |
| clouds | soufflé | A soufflé of clouds |
| clowns | pratfall | A pratfall of clowns |
| coaches | fleet | A fleet of coaches |
| cobblers | cutting | A cutting of cobblers |
| cobras | quiver | A quiver of cobras |
| cockatoos | chattering | A chattering of cockatoos |
| cockroaches | intrusion | An intrusion of cockroaches |
| coconuts | cluster | A cluster of coconuts |
| cod | lap | A lap of cod |
| coins | roll | A roll of coins |
| collective nouns | catch | A catch of collective nouns |
| colts | rag | A rag of colts |
| comedians | gaggle | A gaggle of comedians |
| commercials | glut | A glut of commercials |
| commuters | dash | A dash of commuters |
| computer operators | byte | A byte of computer operators |
| computer programmers | megabyte | A megabyte of computer programmers |
| composers | chorus | A chorus of composers |
| computers | cluster | A cluster of computers |
| con artists | scam | A scam of con artists |
| concubines | harem | A harem of concubines |
| condiments | accompaniment | An accompaniment of condiments |
| conies | bury | A bury of conies |
| construction workers | piling | A piling of construction workers |
| contestants | frenzy | A frenzy of contestants |
| convicts | gang | A gang of convicts |
| cooks | hastiness | A hastiness of cooks |
| coots | commotion | A commotion of coots |
| cormorants | flight | A flight of cormorants |
| corn | sheaf | A sheaf of corn |
| cotton | bale | A bale of cotton |
| coughs | chattering | A chattering of coughs |
| courtesans | harem | A harem of courtesans |
| courtiers | threatening | A threatening of courtiers |
| cousins | countryside | A countryside of cousins |
| cowboys | saunter | A saunter of cowboys |
| cows | herd | A herd of cows |
| coyotes | band | A band of coyotes |
| crabs | scuttle | A scuttle of crabs |
| cranes | herd | A herd of cranes |
| creditors | curse | A curse of creditors |
| credit cards | quicksand | A quicksand of credit cards |
| cricketers | eleven | An eleven of cricketers |
| crickets | orchestra | An orchestra of crickets |
| critics | pan | A pan of critics |
| crocodiles | bask | A bask of crocodiles |
| crows | murder | A murder of crows |
| cubs | litter | A litter of cubs |
| cuckolds | incredibility | An incredibility of cuckolds |
| curates | charge | A charge of curates |
| curlews | head | A head of curlews |
| curs | cowardice | A cowardice of curs |
| cymbals | sign | A sign of cymbals |
| cynics | bark | A bark of cynics |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with D
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| dancers | troupe | A troupe of dancers |
| deans | decorum | A decorum of deans |
| debt | mountain | A mountain of debt |
| debtors | split | A split of debtors |
| debutantes | diffidence | A diffidence of debutantes |
| decorators | tantrum | A tantrum of decorators |
| deer | herd | A herd of deer |
| dentists | amalgam | An amalgam of dentists |
| dermatologists | rash | A rash of dermatologists |
| designers | subtlety | A subtlety of designers |
| devils | legion | A legion of devils |
| diamonds | cluster | A cluster of diamonds |
| diapers | load | A load of diapers |
| dice | luck | A luck of dice |
| dictators | tyranny | A tyranny of dictators |
| dictionaries | meaning | A meaning of dictionaries |
| dieters | pot | A pot of dieters |
| dieticians | tray | A tray of dieticians |
| dinosaurs | herd | A herd of dinosaurs |
| diplomats | branle | A branle of diplomats |
| directions | vane | A vane of directions |
| directors | board | A board of directors |
| dirty clothes | load | A load of dirty clothes |
| divorcees | desperation | A desperation of divorcees |
| doctors | doctrine | A doctrine of doctors |
| documents | wealth | A wealth of documents |
| dodos | extinction | An extinction of dodos |
| dogs | pack | A pack of dogs |
| dollars | fistful | A fistful of dollars |
| dolphins | pod | A pod of dolphins |
| dominoes | falling | A falling of dominoes |
| donkeys | herd | A herd of donkeys |
| dotterels | trip | A trip of dotterels |
| doves | bevy | A bevy of doves |
| dowagers | bevy | A bevy of dowagers |
| dragons | flight | A flight of dragons |
| drawers | chest | A chest of drawers |
| drinks | round | A round of drinks |
| drugs | cocktail | A cocktail of drugs |
| drummers | roll | A roll of drummers |
| drums | kettle | A kettle of drums |
| drunks | load | A load of drunks |
| ducklings | fleet | A fleet of ducklings |
| ducks | flock | A flock of ducks |
| dunbirds | flight | A flight of dunbirds |
| dunces | confederacy | A confederacy of dunces |
| dung | pile | A pile of dung |
| dunlins | fling | A fling of dunlins |
| dust | pile | A pile of dust |
| dwarves | shortage | A shortage of dwarves |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with E
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| eagles | convocation | A convocation of eagles |
| earthquakes | swarm | A swarm of earthquakes |
| economists | deficit | A deficit of economists |
| editors | erudition | An erudition of editors |
| eels | swarm | A swarm of eels |
| eggs | clutch | A clutch of eggs |
| egos | pumphouse | A pumphouse of egos |
| eland | herd | A herd of eland |
| electors | college | A college of electors |
| electricians | grid | A grid of electricians |
| elephants | herd | A herd of elephants |
| elk | herd | A herd of elk |
| elves | drove | A drove of elves |
| embarrassments | blush | A blush of embarrassments |
| emotions | wash | A wash of emotions |
| employees | staff | A staff of employees |
| emus | mob | A mob of emus |
| engineers | design | A design of engineers |
| Englishmen | pound | A pound of Englishmen |
| environmentalists | vigilance | A vigilance of environmentalists |
| epidemiologists | cohort | A cohort of epidemiologists |
| equestrians | prance | A prance of equestrians |
| errands | hassle | A hassle of errands |
| errors | comedy | A comedy of errors |
| estimations | bout | A bout of estimations |
| events | chain | A chain of events |
| exams | series | A series of exams |
| executives | board | A board of executives |
| experts | panel | A panel of experts |
| exterminators | slew | A slew of exterminators |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with F
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| fairies | herd | A herd of fairies |
| falcons | cast | A cast of falcons |
| families | clutch | A clutch of families |
| fans | thrill | A thrill of fans |
| farmers | plain | A plain of farmers |
| fathers | distraction | A distraction of fathers |
| fencers | poke | A poke of fencers |
| ferrets | business | A business of ferrets |
| finches | charm | A charm of finches |
| figure skaters | axel | An axel of figure skaters |
| fire | baptism | A baptism of fire |
| firefighters | pluck | A pluck of firefighters |
| firewood | fagot | A fagot of firewood |
| fireworks | exultation | An exultation of fireworks |
| fireflies | conflagration | A conflagration of fireflies |
| fish | school | A school of fish |
| fishermen | drift | A drift of fishermen |
| flags | bunting | A bunting of flags |
| flamingos | stand | A stand of flamingos |
| flats | block | A block of flats |
| flies | swarm | A swarm of flies |
| florists | bouquet | A bouquet of florists |
| flowers | bouquet | A bouquet of flowers |
| flutists | flutter | A flutter of flutists |
| food | pantry | A pantry of food |
| fools | company | A company of fools |
| footballers | team | A team of footballers |
| foresters | stalk | A stalk of foresters |
| fowl | roost | A roost of fowl |
| foxes | skulk | A skulk of foxes |
| freezers | glacier | A glacier of freezers |
| Frenchmen | peck | A peck of Frenchmen |
| freshmen | plenitude | A plenitude of freshmen |
| friars | skulk | A skulk of friars |
| friends | circle | A circle of friends |
| frogs | army | An army of frogs |
| fruits | basket | A basket of fruits |
| fruittrees | orchard | An orchard of fruittrees |
| fungi | colony | A colony of fungi |
| furniture | suite | A suite of furniture |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with G
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| gamblers | roll | A roll of gamblers |
| gangsters | mob | A mob of gangsters |
| garbage | pile | A pile of garbage |
| gardeners | sprinkling | A sprinkling of gardeners |
| gays | village | A village of gays |
| gears | rack | A rack of gears |
| geese | flock | A flock of geese |
| geldings | clipping | A clipping of geldings |
| genealogists | tree | A tree of genealogists |
| generals | glitter | A glitter of generals |
| geneticists | helix | A helix of geneticists |
| geologists | conglomerate | A conglomerate of geologists |
| gerbils | horde | A horde of gerbils |
| Germans | gross | A gross of Germans |
| ghosts | fright | A fright of ghosts |
| giraffes | herd | A herd of giraffes |
| girls | giggle | A giggle of girls |
| gloves | elicat | An elicat of gloves |
| glaziers | crash | A crash of glaziers |
| gluttons | slaver | A slaver of gluttons |
| gnats | cloud | A cloud of gnats |
| gnus | herd | A herd of gnus |
| goats | herd | A herd of goats |
| gods | pantheon | A pantheon of gods |
| gold | hoard | A hoard of gold |
| goldfinches | charm | A charm of goldfinches |
| goldfish | glint | A glint of goldfish |
| golf balls | flight | A flight of golf balls |
| golf carts | skitter | A skitter of golf carts |
| golf clubs | set | A set of golf clubs |
| golfers | lie | A lie of golfers |
| goons | plunder | A plunder of goons |
| gorillas | band | A band of gorillas |
| goshawks | flight | A flight of goshawks |
| goslings | skein | A skein of goslings |
| gossips | dish | A dish of gossips |
| gourmands | delicatessen | A delicatessen of gourmands |
| gourmets | delicatessen | A delicatessen of gourmets |
| governesses | galaxy | A galaxy of governesses |
| graduate students | fortitude | A fortitude of graduate students |
| graduates | unemployment | An unemployment of graduates |
| graffiti | eyesore | An eyesore of graffiti |
| grammarians | conjunction | A conjunction of grammarians |
| grandparents | wisdom | A wisdom of grandparents |
| grapes | bunch | A bunch of grapes |
| grass | tuft | A tuft of grass |
| grasses | fistful | A fistful of grasses |
| grasshoppers | cloud | A cloud of grasshoppers |
| greeting cards | bromide | A bromide of greeting cards |
| greyhounds | leash | A leash of greyhounds |
| griffins | pride | A pride of griffins |
| grits | mess | A mess of grits |
| grouse | covey | A covey of grouse |
| guillemots | bazaar | A bazaar of guillemots |
| guinea pigs | herd | A herd of guinea pigs |
| guitarists | fret | A fret of guitarists |
| gulls | colony | A colony of gulls |
| gunfire | hail | A hail of gunfire |
| guns | battery | A battery of guns |
| gunships | hailstorm | A hailstorm of gunships |
| gurus | profit | A profit of gurus |
| gymnasts | tumbler | A tumbler of gymnasts |
| gynaecologists | smear | A smear of gynaecologists |
| gypsies | store | A store of gypsies |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with H
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| hackers | cruft | A cruft of hackers |
| haematologists | rouleau | A rouleau of haematologists |
| hair | lock | A lock of hair |
| hairdressers | pouf | A pouf of hairdressers |
| hamsters | horde | A horde of hamsters |
| hangers | jangle | A jangle of hangers |
| hares | down | A down of hares |
| harlots | herd | A herd of harlots |
| harpists | melody | A melody of harpists |
| harps | twangle | A twangle of harps |
| harts | herd | A herd of harts |
| hawks | cast | A cast of hawks |
| hay | truss | A truss of hay |
| hedgehogs | prickle | A prickle of hedgehogs |
| heirs | expectation | An expectation of heirs |
| helicopters | hover | A hover of helicopters |
| hens | brood | A brood of hens |
| hermits | observance | An observance of hermits |
| herons | siege | A siege of herons |
| herrings | glean | A glean of herrings |
| hides | dicker | A dicker of hides |
| hills | range | A range of hills |
| hinds | parcel | A parcel of hinds |
| hippies | trip | A trip of hippies |
| hippopotamuses | bloat | A bloat of hippopotamuses |
| historians | argumentation | An argumentation of historians |
| hogs | sounder | A sounder of hogs |
| homework | slew | A slew of homework |
| homosexuals | ensemble | An ensemble of homosexuals |
| hornets | nest | A nest of hornets |
| horsemen | cavalcade | A cavalcade of horsemen |
| horses | herd | A herd of horses |
| hostlers | laughter | A laughter of hostlers |
| hounds | pack | A pack of hounds |
| housekeepers | foresight | A foresight of housekeepers |
| houses | huddle | A huddle of houses |
| hummingbirds | charm | A charm of hummingbirds |
| hunters | blast | A blast of hunters |
| husbands | multiplying | A multiplying of husbands |
| hyenas | clan | A clan of hyenas |
| hypocrites | regiment | A regiment of hypocrites |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with I
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| ibex | herd | A herd of ibex |
| ibises | colony | A colony of ibises |
| ice | floe | A floe of ice |
| icebergs | drift | A drift of icebergs |
| ice cream | bowl | A bowl of ice cream |
| ice cream carts | chime | A chime of ice cream carts |
| ichthyologists | scale | A scale of ichthyologists |
| icons | shield | A shield of icons |
| ideas | floodlight | A floodlight of ideas |
| idiots | thicket | A thicket of idiots |
| iguanas | mess | A mess of iguanas |
| impalas | couple | A couple of impalas |
| impressionists | blur | A blur of impressionists |
| infantry | crèche | A crèche of infantry |
| information | wealth | A wealth of information |
| in-laws | imposition | An imposition of in-laws |
| insects | swarm | A swarm of insects |
| instruments | parley | A parley of instruments |
| Irishmen | pint | A pint of Irishmen |
| islands | chain | A chain of islands |
| Italians | explosion | An explosion of Italians |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with J
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| jackdaws | band | A band of jackdaws |
| jaguars | prowl | A prowl of jaguars |
| jam | preserve | A preserve of jam |
| jays | band | A band of jays |
| jellyfish | fluther | A fluther of jellyfish |
| jets | fleet | A fleet of jets |
| jewellers | ring | A ring of jewellers |
| jewelery | cache | A cache of jewelery |
| jobs | string | A string of jobs |
| jockeys | race | A race of jockeys |
| joggers | wheeze | A wheeze of joggers |
| journalists | scoop | A scoop of journalists |
| judges | bench | A bench of judges |
| jugglers | neverthriving | A neverthriving of jugglers |
| juice | pack | A pack of juice |
| juniors | gratitude | A gratitude of juniors |
| jurors | damning | A damning of jurors |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with K
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| kangaroos | mob | A mob of kangaroos |
| kestrels | hover | A hover of kestrels |
| keys | ring | A ring of keys |
| kids | caper | A caper of kids |
| keglers | bowl | A bowl of keglers |
| kingfishers | realm | A realm of kingfishers |
| kings | line | A line of kings |
| kites | soar | A soar of kites |
| kittens | kindle | A kindle of kittens |
| kleptomaniacs | clutch | A clutch of kleptomaniacs |
| knaves | riffraff | A riffraff of knaves |
| knights | banner | A banner of knights |
| knots | cluster | A cluster of knots |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with L
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| laborers | gang | A gang of laborers |
| ladies | bevy | A bevy of ladies |
| ladybugs | loveliness | A loveliness of ladybugs |
| ladybirds | loveliness | A loveliness of ladybirds |
| lambs | fall | A fall of lambs |
| landlords | laches | A laches of landlords |
| lapwings | deceit | A deceit of lapwings |
| larks | exaltation | An exaltation of larks |
| lawnmowers | rasp | A rasp of lawnmowers |
| lawyers | huddle | A huddle of lawyers |
| leaves | autumn | An autumn of leaves |
| lecturers | drift | A drift of lecturers |
| lemurs | troop | A troop of lemurs |
| leopards | leap | A leap of leopards |
| lepers | colony | A colony of lepers |
| lesbians | tough | A tough of lesbians |
| letters | budget | A budget of letters |
| leverets | kindle | A kindle of leverets |
| liars | glorifying | A glorifying of liars |
| librarians | catalogue | A catalogue of librarians |
| lice | colony | A colony of lice |
| lies | tissue | A tissue of lies |
| lines | pencil | A pencil of lines |
| linguists | babble | A babble of linguists |
| lions | pride | A pride of lions |
| listeners | audience | An audience of listeners |
| lizards | lounge | A lounge of lizards |
| llamas | herd | A herd of llamas |
| loafers | multiplication | A multiplication of loafers |
| loaves | batch | A batch of loaves |
| lobbyists | buttonhole | A buttonhole of lobbyists |
| locals | plague | A plague of locals |
| lobsters | risk | A risk of lobsters |
| locksmiths | sesame | A sesame of locksmiths |
| locusts | plague | A plague of locusts |
| lollies | packet | A packet of lollies |
| lords | leaping | A leaping of lords |
| trucks/lorries | fleet | A fleet of trucks/lorries |
| lovebirds | pair | A pair of lovebirds |
| lovers | trance | A trance of lovers |
| luggage | odyssey | An odyssey of luggage |
| luminaries | array | An array of luminaries |
| lutists | litany | A litany of lutists |
| lynx | chain | A chain of lynx |
| lyricists | bridge | A bridge of lyricists |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with M
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| machine guns | nest | A nest of machine guns |
| mackerel | shoal | A shoal of mackerel |
| magazines | labyrinth | A labyrinth of magazines |
| magicians | illusion | An illusion of magicians |
| magistrates | bench | A bench of magistrates |
| magpies | tiding | A tiding of magpies |
| maidens | rage | A rage of maidens |
| mailmen | round | A round of mailmen |
| mallards | sord | A sord of mallards |
| malls | sprawl | A sprawl of malls |
| managers | asylum | An asylum of managers |
| manicurists | file | A file of manicurists |
| maps | atlas | An atlas of maps |
| mares | stud | A stud of mares |
| marines | muscle | A muscle of marines |
| martens | richness | A richness of martens |
| martins | richess | A richess of martins |
| masseurs | pummel | A pummel of masseurs |
| masters | example | An example of masters |
| matadors | pavanne | A pavanne of matadors |
| matches | book | A book of matches |
| mathematicians | number | A number of mathematicians |
| matrons | riches | A riches of matrons |
| mechanics | clutch | A clutch of mechanics |
| mediators | compromise | A compromise of mediators |
| meerkats | clan | A clan of meerkats |
| melons | bouquet | A bouquet of melons |
| members | council | A council of members |
| men | band | A band of men |
| merchants | faith | A faith of merchants |
| merlins | cast | A cast of merlins |
| messengers | diligence | A diligence of messengers |
| metallurgists | amalgamation | An amalgamation of metallurgists |
| meteorologists | shower | A shower of meteorologists |
| mice | nest | A nest of mice |
| microbiologists | culture | A culture of microbiologists |
| midges | bite | A bite of midges |
| midwives | expectation | An expectation of midwives |
| millionaires | wealth | A wealth of millionaires |
| ministers | assembly | An assembly of ministers |
| minks | richness | A richness of minks |
| minnows | stream | A stream of minnows |
| misers | horde | A horde of misers |
| mockingbirds | impression | An impression of mockingbirds |
| models | slouch | A slouch of models |
| moles | company | A company of moles |
| money | wad | A wad of money |
| mongooses | band | A band of mongooses |
| mongrels | ménage | A ménage of mongrels |
| monitors | bank | A bank of monitors |
| monkeys | troop | A troop of monkeys |
| monks | abominable sight | An abominable sight of monks |
| monsters | bestiary | A bestiary of monsters |
| moorhens | plump | A plump of moorhens |
| moose | herd | A herd of moose |
| Mormons | book | A book of Mormons |
| morning glories | dawn | A dawn of morning glories |
| morticians | slab | A slab of morticians |
| mosquitoes | scourge | A scourge of mosquitoes |
| mothers | consternation | A consternation of mothers |
| mothers-in-law | mutter | A mutter of mothers-in-law |
| motorcyclists | clutch | A clutch of motorcyclists |
| mountaineers | uprising | An uprising of mountaineers |
| mountains | range | A range of mountains |
| mourners | cortege | A cortege of mourners |
| mud hens | fleet | A fleet of mud hens |
| mules | barren | A barren of mules |
| museums | march | A march of museums |
| mushrooms | troop | A troop of mushrooms |
| musicians | band | A band of musicians |
| mussels | bed | A bed of mussels |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with N
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| narcissists | reflection | A reflection of narcissists |
| nations | league | A league of nations |
| natives | tribe | A tribe of natives |
| neighbours | annoyance | An annoyance of neighbours |
| nerves | bundle | A bundle of nerves |
| nestlings | brood | A brood of nestlings |
| neurologists | synapse | A synapse of neurologists |
| newsboys | scream | A scream of newsboys |
| newscasters | veneer | A veneer of newscasters |
| newspapers | stack | A stack of newspapers |
| newts | armada | An armada of newts |
| nieces | squeal | A squeal of nieces |
| nightingales | watch | A watch of nightingales |
| night watchmen | pallor | A pallor of night watchmen |
| northerners | freeze | A freeze of northerners |
| notes | wad | A wad of notes |
| nouns | collective | A collective of nouns |
| noises | gallimaufry | A gallimaufry of noises |
| numbers | set | A set of numbers |
| nuns | superfluity | A superfluity of nuns |
| nurses | dearth | A dearth of nurses |
| nymphomaniacs | spread | A spread of nymphomaniacs |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with O
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| oarsmen | row | A row of oarsmen |
| objects | collection | A collection of objects |
| oboists | plaint | A plaint of oboists |
| obstetricians | gestation | A gestation of obstetricians |
| octopuses | consortium | A consortium of octopuses |
| office boys | ogle | An ogle of office boys |
| officers | mess | A mess of officers |
| oncologists | lump | A lump of oncologists |
| onions | rope | A rope of onions |
| onlookers | crowd | A crowd of onlookers |
| operas | grandiosity | A grandiosity of operas |
| ophthalmologists | spectacle | A spectacle of ophthalmologists |
| optometrists | vision | A vision of optometrists |
| oranges | pocket | A pocket of oranges |
| orangutans | buffoonery | A buffoonery of orangutans |
| orators | podium | A podium of orators |
| orchids | coterie | A coterie of orchids |
| orgiasts | concatenation | A concatenation of orgiasts |
| orphans | abandonment | An abandonment of orphans |
| orthodontists | brace | A brace of orthodontists |
| orthopaedists | cast | A cast of orthopaedists |
| osteopaths | joint | A joint of osteopaths |
| ostriches | flock | A flock of ostriches |
| otologists | herd | A herd of otologists |
| otters | bevy | A bevy of otters |
| ovens | range | A range of ovens |
| oxbirds | fling | A fling of oxbirds |
| oxen | herd | A herd of oxen |
| owls | parliament | A parliament of owls |
| oysters | bed | A bed of oysters |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with P
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| paediatricians | howl | A howl of paediatricians |
| painters | illusion | An illusion of painters |
| paisleys | swirl | A swirl of paisleys |
| palindromes | tenet | A tenet of palindromes |
| palm readers | handful | A handful of palm readers |
| paparazzi | flash | A flash of paparazzi |
| paper | ream | A ream of paper |
| paratroopers | storm | A storm of paratroopers |
| pardoners | lying | A lying of pardoners |
| parents | persistence | A persistence of parents |
| parishioners | kneeling | A kneeling of parishioners |
| parking attendants | lot | A lot of parking attendants |
| parrots | company | A company of parrots |
| partridges | covey | A covey of partridges |
| pathologists | body | A body of pathologists |
| patients | virtue | A virtue of patients |
| peacocks | muster | A muster of peacocks |
| pearls | string | A string of pearls |
| peas | pod | A pod of peas |
| peasants | toil | A toil of peasants |
| pediatricians | shot | A shot of pediatricians |
| pelicans | colony | A colony of pelicans |
| penguins | colony | A colony of penguins |
| people | crowd | A crowd of people |
| perch | pack | A pack of perch |
| percussionists | meter | A meter of percussionists |
| peregrines | cadge | A cadge of peregrines |
| performers | troupe | A troupe of performers |
| pharmacists | tincture | A tincture of pharmacists |
| pheasants | bouquet | A bouquet of pheasants |
| philatelists | stampede | A stampede of philatelists |
| philosophers | ponder | A ponder of philosophers |
| photographers | snap | A snap of photographers |
| photographs | album | An album of photographs |
| physicians | college | A college of physicians |
| physicists | nucleus | A nucleus of physicists |
| physiotherapists | exercise | An exercise of physiotherapists |
| pianists | pound | A pound of pianists |
| pictures | portfolio | A portfolio of pictures |
| pigeons | flock | A flock of pigeons |
| piglets | litter | A litter of piglets |
| pigs | herd | A herd of pigs |
| pilchards | shoal | A shoal of pilchards |
| pilots | yoke | A yoke of pilots |
| pintails | knob | A knob of pintails |
| pipers | poverty | A poverty of pipers |
| pirates | band | A band of pirates |
| planes | flight | A flight of planes |
| plants | nursery | A nursery of plants |
| plastic surgeons | flap | A flap of plastic surgeons |
| players | team | A team of players |
| playing cards | deck | A deck of playing cards |
| plovers | congregation | A congregation of plovers |
| plumbers | flush | A flush of plumbers |
| plums | basket | A basket of plums |
| pochard | rush | A rush of pochard |
| podiatrists | blister | A blister of podiatrists |
| poems | anthology | An anthology of poems |
| poets | iamb | An iamb of poets |
| poker players | stud | A stud of poker players |
| polar bears | aurora | An aurora of polar bears |
| polecats | chine | A chine of polecats |
| police | posse | A posse of police |
| politicians | equivocation | An equivocation of politicians |
| ponies | string | A string of ponies |
| Poodles | salon | A salon of Poodles |
| porcupines | prickle | A prickle of porcupines |
| porpoises | school | A school of porpoises |
| porters | grip | A grip of porters |
| portfolio managers | stock | A stock of portfolio managers |
| posers | posse | A posse of posers |
| possums | passel | A passel of possums |
| postal workers | parcel | A parcel of postal workers |
| potholes | whiplash | A whiplash of potholes |
| pottage | mess | A mess of pottage |
| potters | wheel | A wheel of potters |
| poultry | run | A run of poultry |
| prairie dogs | coterie | A coterie of prairie dogs |
| preachers | converting | A converting of preachers |
| priests | mass | A mass of priests |
| prima donnas | spite | A spite of prima donnas |
| princes | state | A state of princes |
| princesses | royalty | A royalty of princesses |
| principals | lack | A lack of principals |
| prisoners | pity | A pity of prisoners |
| proctologists | pile | A pile of proctologists |
| producers | panic | A panic of producers |
| professions | gamut | A gamut of professions |
| professors | tenure | A tenure of professors |
| programmers | archive | An archive of programmers |
| proofreaders | squint | A squint of proofreaders |
| prose | anthology | An anthology of prose |
| prostitutes | stable | A stable of prostitutes |
| psychoanalysts | dream | A dream of psychoanalysts |
| psychologists | complex | A complex of psychologists |
| psychotherapists | interpretation | An interpretation of psychotherapists |
| ptarmigans | parliament | A parliament of ptarmigans |
| public speakers | twaddle | A twaddle of public speakers |
| puddles | splash | A splash of puddles |
| puffins | raft | A raft of puffins |
| pugs | grumble | A grumble of pugs |
| pulmonologists | consolidation | A consolidation of pulmonologists |
| puma | prowl | A prowl of puma |
| puns | groan | A groan of puns |
| puppies | litter | A litter of puppies |
| pyromaniacs | blaze | A blaze of pyromaniacs |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with Q
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| quail | bevy | A bevy of quail |
| Quakers | meeting | A meeting of Quakers |
| quarterbacks | sack | A sack of quarterbacks |
| questions | number | A number of questions |
| quilts | hotbed | A hotbed of quilts |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with R
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| rabbits | colony | A colony of rabbits |
| raccoons | gaze | A gaze of raccoons |
| racehorses | string | A string of racehorses |
| radiologists | scan | A scan of radiologists |
| rags | bundle | A bundle of rags |
| rams | battery | A battery of rams |
| rats | pack | A pack of rats |
| rattlesnakes | rhumba | A rhumba of rattlesnakes |
| ravens | unkindness | An unkindness of ravens |
| realtors | lot | A lot of realtors |
| reasons | rainbow | A rainbow of reasons |
| rebuttals | quiver | A quiver of rebuttals |
| redwing | crowd | A crowd of redwing |
| reeds | clump | A clump of reeds |
| refugees | flight | A flight of refugees |
| reindeer | herd | A herd of reindeer |
| relatives | descent | A descent of relatives |
| repairmen | overcharge | An overcharge of repairmen |
| reporters | scoop | A scoop of reporters |
| reviewers | pan | A pan of reviewers |
| rhinoceroses | crash | A crash of rhinoceroses |
| riches | embarrassment | An embarrassment of riches |
| rioters | melee | A melee of rioters |
| robbers | band | A band of robbers |
| robins | worm | A worm of robins |
| roe deer | bevy | A bevy of roe deer |
| robots | cog | A cog of robots |
| rooks | building | A building of rooks |
| rooms | suite | A suite of rooms |
| roses | bouquet | A bouquet of roses |
| ruffs | hill | A hill of ruffs |
| ruins | heap | A heap of ruins |
| runners | field | A field of runners |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with S
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| sailors | crew | A crew of sailors |
| saints | calendar | A calendar of saints |
| salesmen | sample | A sample of salesmen |
| salmon | bind | A bind of salmon |
| salt | lot | A lot of salt |
| sand | heap | A heap of sand |
| sandpipers | fling | A fling of sandpipers |
| sardines | family | A family of sardines |
| satellites | orbit | An orbit of satellites |
| savages | horde | A horde of savages |
| scholars | brow | A brow of scholars |
| schoolboys | rout | A rout of schoolboys |
| Scots | clan | A clan of Scots |
| seagulls | flock | A flock of seagulls |
| Sea horses | herd | A herd of Sea horses |
| seals | herd | A herd of seals |
| seamstresses | scolding | A scolding of seamstresses |
| seismologists | quake | A quake of seismologists |
| senators | house | A house of senators |
| seniors | attitude | An attitude of seniors |
| sergeants | subtlety | A subtlety of sergeants |
| sermons | squash | A squash of sermons |
| servants | obeisance | An obeisance of servants |
| shad | shoal | A shoal of shad |
| sharks | school | A school of sharks |
| sheep | herd | A herd of sheep |
| sheldrakes | dopping | A dopping of sheldrakes |
| shells | salvo | A salvo of shells |
| shepherds | Sodom | A Sodom of shepherds |
| sheriffs | posse | A posse of sheriffs |
| ships | fleet | A fleet of ships |
| shoemakers | blackening | A blackening of shoemakers |
| shoes | scandal | A scandal of shoes |
| shoppers | crush | A crush of shoppers |
| shopping carts | samba | A samba of shopping carts |
| shrimps | troup | A troup of shrimps |
| silk-screens | pull | A pull of silk-screens |
| silk | skein | A skein of silk |
| similes | superfluity | A superfluity of similes |
| ssingers | choir | A choir of singers |
| sirens | wail | A wail of sirens |
| skunks | stench | A stench of skunks |
| slaves | coffle | A coffle of slaves |
| sloths | slumber | A slumber of sloths |
| slugs | cornucopia | A cornucopia of slugs |
| smokers | billow | A billow of smokers |
| snails | rout | A rout of snails |
| snakes | den | A den of snakes |
| snipe | whisper | A whisper of snipe |
| snow | blanket | A blanket of snow |
| software | crash | A crash of software |
| soldiers | army | An army of soldiers |
| sophomores | platitude | A platitude of sophomores |
| sopranos | sweetness | A sweetness of sopranos |
| sparrows | host | A host of sparrows |
| spiders | cluster | A cluster of spiders |
| spies | duplicity | A duplicity of spies |
| sponsors | splurge | A splurge of sponsors |
| squirrels | scurry | A scurry of squirrels |
| stairs | flight | A flight of stairs |
| stalkers | following | A following of stalkers |
| stamps | album | An album of stamps |
| starfish | galaxy | A galaxy of starfish |
| starlets | galaxy | A galaxy of starlets |
| starlings | murmuration | A murmuration of starlings |
| stars | galaxy | A galaxy of stars |
| statisticians | number | A number of statisticians |
| steps | flight | A flight of steps |
| stewards | credence | A credence of stewards |
| sticklebacks | spread | A spread of sticklebacks |
| sticks | fagot | A fagot of sticks |
| stingrays | fever | A fever of stingrays |
| stoats | pack | A pack of stoats |
| stockbrokers | portfolio | A portfolio of stockbrokers |
| storks | muster | A muster of storks |
| strawberries | punnet | A punnet of strawberries |
| strumpets | flourish | A flourish of strumpets |
| students | class | A class of students |
| submarines | pack | A pack of submarines |
| suitcases | pack | A pack of suitcases |
| suitors | swarm | A swarm of suitors |
| summoners | untruth | An untruth of summoners |
| sundays | month | A month of sundays |
| surfers | wave | A wave of surfers |
| surgeons | stitch | A stitch of surgeons |
| surprises | boo | A boo of surprises |
| surveyors | chain | A chain of surveyors |
| suspects | fidget | A fidget of suspects |
| swallows | flight | A flight of swallows |
| swans | bevy | A bevy of swans |
| swiftsswifts | flock | A flock of swifts |
| swimmers | raft | A raft of swimmers |
| swindlers | scheme | A scheme of swindlers |
| swine | sounder | A sounder of swine |
| sswingers | orgy | An orgy of swingers |
| Swiss | watch | A watch of Swiss |
| swordfish | flotilla | A flotilla of swordfish |
| sycophants | gush | A gush of sycophants |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with T
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| tailors | disguising | A disguising of tailors |
| tanks | clank | A clank of tanks |
| tapirs | candle | A candle of tapirs |
| tapsters | promise | A promise of tapsters |
| tarts | jam | A jam of tarts |
| tasks | agenda | An agenda of tasks |
| taxis | charge | A charge of taxis |
| teachers | staff | A staff of teachers |
| teals | spring | A spring of teals |
| teddy bears | hug | A hug of teddy bears |
| teenagers | attitude | An attitude of teenagers |
| teeth | rage | A rage of teeth |
| telecom workers | broadband | A broadband of telecom workers |
| termites | colony | A colony of termites |
| terriers | terror | A terror of terriers |
| testicles | clutch | A clutch of testicles |
| tests | battery | A battery of tests |
| Texans | mob | A mob of Texans |
| thieves | gang | A gang of thieves |
| things | bunch | A bunch of things |
| thrushes | mutation | A mutation of thrushes |
| tigers | streak | A streak of tigers |
| toads | knot | A knot of toads |
| tomatoes | clutch | A clutch of tomatoes |
| tomorrows | promise | A promise of tomorrows |
| tools | set | A set of tools |
| tortoises | creep | A creep of tortoises |
| toucans | durante | A durante of toucans |
| tourists | flock | A flock of tourists |
| toys | assembly | An assembly of toys |
| trains | postponement | A postponement of trains |
| trainers | torment | A torment of trainers |
| tranquilizers | equanimity | An equanimity of tranquilizers |
| transvestites | travesty | A travesty of transvestites |
| rubbish/trash | heap | A heap of trash/rubbish |
| treasure | trove | A trove of treasure |
| trees | clump | A clump of trees |
| troops | parel | A parel of troops |
| troubles | sea | A sea of troubles |
| trout | hover | A hover of trout |
| trucks | convoy | A convoy of trucks |
| trumpets | flourish | A flourish of trumpets |
| trustees | board | A board of trustees |
| truths | pithy | A pithy of truths |
| tuba players | tumult | A tumult of tuba players |
| tuna | float | A float of tuna |
| turds | steam | A steam of turds |
| turkeys | raffle | A raffle of turkeys |
| turtledoves | pitying | A pitying of turtledoves |
| turtles | bale | A bale of turtles |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with U
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| umbrellas | phalanx | A phalanx of umbrellas |
| umpires | panel | A panel of umpires |
| undertakers | unction | An unction of undertakers |
| unicorns | blessing | A blessing of unicorns |
| urologists | stream | A stream of urologists |
| used car salesmen | great deal | A great deal of used car salesmen |
| ushers | seat | A seat of ushers |
| utensils | set | A set of utensils |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with V
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| vacationers | peel | A peel of vacationers |
| vampires | coven | A coven of vampires |
| vans | fleet | A fleet of vans |
| vegetables | basket | A basket of vegetables |
| vegetarians | sprig | A sprig of vegetarians |
| vehicles | convoy | A convoy of vehicles |
| vendors | haggle | A haggle of vendors |
| vessels | fleet | A fleet of vessels |
| vicars | prudence | A prudence of vicars |
| violinists | string | A string of violinists |
| vipers | nest | A nest of vipers |
| voles | colony | A colony of voles |
| voters | constituency | A constituency of voters |
| vultures | wake | A wake of vultures |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with W
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| wagers | book | A book of wagers |
| waiters | absence | An absence of waiters |
| walkers | amble | An amble of walkers |
| wallabies | mob | A mob of wallabies |
| walruses | herd | A herd of walruses |
| warships | armada | An armada of warships |
| warthogs | sounder | A sounder of warthogs |
| washing machines | shudder | A shudder of washing machines |
| wasps | nest | A nest of wasps |
| waterfowl | plump | A plump of waterfowl |
| weapons | cache | A cache of weapons |
| weasels | sneak | A sneak of weasels |
| weavers | shuttle | A shuttle of weavers |
| whales | school | A school of whales |
| wheat | sheaf | A sheaf of wheat |
| whelps | litter | A litter of whelps |
| whiting | pod | A pod of whiting |
| whores | parliament | A parliament of whores |
| widgeon | company | A company of widgeon |
| widows | ambush | An ambush of widows |
| wildcats | destruction | A destruction of wildcats |
| wildebeest | herd | A herd of wildebeest |
| wild boars | sounder | A sounder of wild boars |
| wildfowl | plump | A plump of wildfowl |
| willows | bend | A bend of willows |
| windmills | tilt | A tilt of windmills |
| wine tasters | bouquet | A bouquet of wine tasters |
| wing commanders | flush | A flush of wing commanders |
| winners | shout | A shout of winners |
| winnings | purse | A purse of winnings |
| witches | coven | A coven of witches |
| wives | impatience | An impatience of wives |
| wizards | congeries | A congeries of wizards |
| wolves | pack | A pack of wolves |
| wombats | mob | A mob of wombats |
| women | gaggle | A gaggle of women |
| wood | cord | A cord of wood |
| woodcocks | fall | A fall of woodcocks |
| woodpeckers | descent | A descent of woodpeckers |
| woodwinds | cord | A cord of woodwinds |
| wool | bale | A bale of wool |
| words | charm | A charm of words |
| workers | team | A team of workers |
| worms | clew | A clew of worms |
| worshipers | congregation | A congregation of worshipers |
| wrens | herd | A herd of wrens |
| wrestlers | clutch | A clutch of wrestlers |
| writers | worship | A worship of writers |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with Y
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| yachts | fleet | A fleet of yachts |
| yaks | herd | A herd of yaks |
| years | score | A score of years |
| yeomen | fellowship | A fellowship of yeomen |
| yesterdays | flight | A flight of yesterdays |
| yogurt | assortment | An assortment of yogurt |
| youths | optimism | An optimism of youths |
| | | |
List of collective nouns starting with Z
| Subject |
Collective Noun |
Usage Example |
| zebras | herd | A herd of zebras |
| zombies | stench | A stench of zombies |
| | | |
