What Is a Collective Noun?
A collective noun is a naming word used to refer to a group or number of animals, people or
things. One thing you should remember when you use collective nouns in sentences is to use the
right form of the verb.
Collective Noun Definition
The Collins Dictionary defines collective nouns as “a noun such as ‘family’ or ‘team’ that refers
to a group of people or things”. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a collective noun
is defined as “a noun such as ‘team’ or ‘flock’ that refers to a group of people or things”.
Examples of Collective Nouns
Here are some examples of collective nouns.
Collective Nouns for Animals
Collective noun for bees – Swarm
Collective noun for fish – Shoal or School
Collective noun for sheep – Herd
Collective noun for ships – Fleet
Collective noun for birds – Flock
Collective noun for lions – Pride
Collective noun for wolves – Pack
Collective noun for ants – Colony
Collective Nouns for People
Collective noun for actors – Troupe, Company or Cast
Collective noun for soldiers – Army
Collective noun for musicians – Band
Collective noun for warriors – Troop
Collective noun for directors – Board
Collective noun for sailors – Crew
Collective noun for singers – Choir
Collective noun for dancers – Group
Collective noun for thieves – Pack
Collective noun for players – Team
Collective noun for delegates – Delegation
Collective noun for judges – Panel or Bench
Collective Nouns for Objects/Things
Collective noun for cards – Deck/Pack
Collective noun for cigarettes – Packet
Collective noun for mountains – Range
Collective noun for apples – Bushel
Collective noun for bananas – Comb
Collective noun for grapes – Bunch
Collective noun for flowers – Bunch or Bouquet
Collective noun for trees – Grove or Forest
Also check out:
Collective noun for baboons
Collective noun for cars
Collective noun for crows
Collective noun for dogs
Collective noun for hay
Collective noun for lions
Collective noun for pearls
Collective noun for penguins
Collective Noun Examples Used in Sentences
Have a look at the following sentences.
Tommy was excited to see a herd of elephants on the way to his native place.
The bench of judges gave the verdict on the case.
The kid enjoyed seeing the flock of pigeons take off all at once.
The football team was congratulated by the principal.
The mob was getting crazier with time.
The event started with the band playing the school anthem.
The children learnt how to perform a magic trick with a pack of cards pretty soon.
The British army was defeated in World War II.
Test Your Knowledge on Collective Nouns
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate collective nouns:
1. A ____________ of cows
2. A ____________ of robbers
3. A ____________ of musicians
4. A ____________ of kittens
5. A ____________ of puppies
6. A ____________ of cattle
7. A ____________ of rumours
8. A ____________ of clams
9. A ____________ of sharks
10. A ____________ of hamsters
Why don’t you check if you got it all right?
1. A herd of cows
2. A gang of robbers
3. A band of musicians
4. A kindle of kittens
5. A litter of puppies
6. A herd of cattle
7. A nest of rumours
8. A bed of clams
9. A shiver of sharks
10. A horde of hamsters
