Congregation - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT congregation /ˈkɑŋgrəˌgeɪʃən/ /kɒŋgrəˈgeɪʃən/ IPA guide

Other forms: congregations

Although the word is most usually assigned to the members of a church, any gathering might be called a congregation, including a gathering of animals. Come to think of it, a congregation of church members is often called a "flock."

The Latin root of congregation, which is greg, meaning "flock," easily becomes congregare, meaning "to gather together," and finally congregationen, giving the current meaning of “a group.” The meaning took on a religious quality when 16th Century Protestants took it to refer to the church itself, then refining it to mean church members. If you're not a churchgoer, you might still refer to your friends who show up to watch football as a congregation.

Definitions of congregation

noun the act of congregating synonyms: congregating see moresee less type of: assemblage, assembly, gathering the social act of assembling
noun an assemblage of people or animals or things collected together “a congregation of children pleaded for his autograph” “a great congregation of birds flew over” see moresee less type of: accumulation, aggregation, assemblage, collection several things grouped together or considered as a whole
noun a group of people who adhere to a common faith and habitually attend a given church or place of worship synonyms: faithful, fold see moresee less types: flock a church congregation guided by a pastor type of: social group people sharing some social relation

Pronunciation US /ˈkɑŋgrəˌgeɪʃən/ UK /kɒŋgrəˈgeɪʃən/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘congregation'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing congregation

Nothing But the Truth Avi

Using journal entries, memos, letters, and dialogue, award-winning author Avi pokes fun at high school, politics, and the media. This satirical novel demonstrates that truth is always subjective.

March: Book One John Lewis

Written with Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell, Congressman John Lewis's award-winning graphic novel chronicles his experiences in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.

com-, con-

We have reached a CONsensus: Learning these words beginning with the prefixes com and con, meaning "with" or "together," can enrich your vocabulary.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account