Herd

/hɜrd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A large group of animals of one kind that live and feed together.

The herd of elephants moved majestically through the savannah.

A group of people, especially those considered as a collective.

The politicians spoke to the herd of supporters gathered at the rally.

A group of a particular kind of people or things.

She felt like just another member of the herd in the crowded city.

verb

To gather and lead a group of animals.

The farmer herded the cows into the barn for the night.

To cause (a group) to move together in a close group.

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.

To follow a trend or popular opinion without independent thinking.

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

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

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