Meaning & Definition of word "Herd"

Herd

/hɜrd/

1. A large group of animals of one kind that live and feed together.
- Example: The herd of elephants moved majestically through the savannah.
2. A group of people, especially those considered as a collective.
- Example: The politicians spoke to the herd of supporters gathered at the rally.
3. A group of a particular kind of people or things.
- Example: She felt like just another member of the herd in the crowded city.

1. To gather and lead a group of animals.
- Example: The farmer herded the cows into the barn for the night.
2. To cause (a group) to move together in a close group.
- Example: The guide herded the tourists towards the entrance of the museum.

Old English 'herde', which means 'to tend (a flock or herd)'.

herd mentality:

The tendency for individuals in a group to conform to the behaviors or opinions of the group.

herd immunity:

The resistance to the spread of an infectious disease within a population due to a sufficiently high proportion of individuals being immune.

herding cats:

A phrase used to describe a difficult or disorganized task involving individuals who behave independently.

flock:

A group of birds or sheep.

pack:

A group of wild animals, especially wolves.

troop:

A group of animals, especially monkeys.

Meaning: To follow a trend or popular opinion without independent thinking.

Example Sentence: He's just herding with the crowd instead of expressing his own views.

Meaning: To gather people together for an event, sometimes in a chaotic manner.

Example Sentence: The organizers had to herd everyone into the main hall for the concert.