gatheringgath‧er‧ing /ˈɡæðərɪŋ/ ●○○ noun [countable] 
a select gathering of 20 or 30 people2intelligence/information etc gathering the process of collecting information from many different places3a fold or group of folds in cloth
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a large gathering of war veterans
- It was quite a small gathering but the speeches were excellent.
- They announced their engagement at a family gathering in Vermont.
- And villagers walking past gave the gathering a wide berth, and spat in disgust with disparaging comments.
- He wanted to set up seventy-five gatherings a year!
- Meanwhile I was to be foisted on my reluctant Aunt Harriet, whom I had only previously met at family gatherings.
- So any gathering may seem suspicious to the police.
- Soon afterwards, the gathering broke up and the guests took their leave.
- The Museum hosted a large gathering of people associated with 627.
- There was one last entity present at this gathering, but he was of ethereal stock and invisible to the naked eye.
THESAURUS
an occasion when people meet in order to discuss something: · a business meeting.· Mr Bell is in a meeting.· The committee will hold another meeting Wednesday.
an organized event, especially one that continues for several days, at which a lot of people meet to discuss a particular subject and hear speeches about it: · Didn’t you give a talk at the conference last year?· a conference of women business leaders
a large formal meeting of people who belong to a political party, or to an organization of people with the same interests: · the Democratic Party Convention· a convention for Star Trek fans
a large public meeting, especially one that is held outdoors to support or protest about something: · There was a massive peace rally in London.
a meeting between government leaders from important and powerful countries, to discuss important matters: · A summit meeting of OPEC leaders was called to find a solution to the oil crisis.· next week’s economic summit
American English a local meeting of the members of a political party to choose people to represent them at a larger meeting, or to choose a candidate in an election: · Obama won the Iowa caucus in 2007.
a business meeting in which people in different places talk to each other using telephones or video equipment: · The chairman held teleconferences with his senior managers.
a situation in which a group of people come together to meet, talk, and have drinks with each other, especially friends or family: · We held a small family get-together to celebrate her birthday.· She arranged social gatherings in Kettering for young people on Saturday evenings.
an arrangement to meet someone who you are having, or hoping to have, a romantic relationship with: · I think I might ask her out on a date.
a meeting where two people have arranged to meet at a particular time or place, often secretly: · She arranged a rendezvous with him in the hotel bar.
literary a secret meeting between people who are having a romantic relationship: · a good place for a moonlight tryst
Longman Language Activatora meeting in order to discuss something an occasion when people meet in order to discuss something: · Sorry I can't come - I have to go to a meeting.· Peter's in London for a business meeting.· I was in meetings all morning and didn't get a chance to look at your proposal.have/hold a meeting: · I'm having a meeting with my client tomorrow to go over the case.· The committee will hold another meeting Wednesday to discuss the funding crisis.attend a meeting formal: · According to people who attended the meeting, Ms. Robins refused to answer any questions about the deal.call/arrange/organize a meeting: · The principal has called a meeting for 4.00.
an organized event, especially one that continues for several days, at which a lot of people meet to discuss a particular subject and hear speeches about it: · Didn't you give a talk at the conference last year?conference on: · She's an organizer of the International Conference on AIDS that the university has every year.conference of: · Lewis recently spoke at a conference of women business leaders.attend a conference formal: · Baxter was in Boston attending a conference on the environment.hold a conference: · The Institute of Accountants is holding its conference in Edinburgh this year.
a large meeting of members of a political organization or professional group for a particular purpose: · The Senator's speech at the Democratic Convention was well received.· Several hundred people are expected at the hotel next month for a huge sales convention.convention of: · Lofgren told a convention of church activists that she wanted the money to be spent on local childrens' facilities.· an annual convention of the world bankhold a convention: · The Reform Party will hold a national convention in August.
a meeting between government leaders from important and powerful countries, to discuss international politics: · A U.S.-Russia summit is expected to take place in late March.summit meeting/conference: · A summit meeting of OPEC leaders was called to find a solution to the oil crisis.· NATO leaders are preparing for a summit conference to decide the future of the alliance.economic/anti-drug/AIDS etc summit: · The President will meet other Pacific Rim leaders at next week's economic summit.
a crowd of people who have come together for a particular purpose, for example to listen to someone speak, to pray, or to discuss something: · It was quite a small gathering but the speeches were excellent.· They announced their engagement at a family gathering in Vermont.
WORD SETSanorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Storm clouds are gathering over the trade negotiations.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
literary (=night that is slowly coming)· The garden was almost invisible now in the gathering darkness.
Storm clouds are gathering over the trade negotiations.· The annual gathering of the Whitchurch Circuit will feature singing by youngsters and adults.
· Today she joined a large gathering to honour Sparky Cosper on Armistice Day.· Rolls Royce cars from around the world are arriving for the largest gathering yet of the famous vehicles.· It will be the largest gathering of warships since the Jubilee Review of 1977.· It's the largest gathering of Rolls Royce's in the world.· The Museum hosted a large gathering of people associated with 627.· It was reported as the largest ever gathering of world leaders.· How many people who ask questions or speak at small or large gatherings are really only talking to themselves?· Evidently there was a need to split into two large gatherings and this occurred, and eventually a further split into three.
· Orders were issued banning political gatherings, but political parties remained legal.· She participated in political gatherings at the White House for donors and supporters.· Clinton acknowledged last week that attendance by regulators at such political gatherings was inappropriate.
· Other martial law decrees, including a ban on public gatherings, remained in effect.
· How many people who ask questions or speak at small or large gatherings are really only talking to themselves?· It had four bedrooms, a library, a red door, and a nice atmosphere for small gatherings.· It was only a small gathering in a studio, but in wartime those were great occasions.· On the other hand, some problems show up more markedly at smaller gatherings.· Police broke up a small gathering in Harare and arrested at least six trade unionists.
· They might be shocked if they realized their destructive influence on those they meet Last night I was at a social gathering.· Think of the associate who always interrupts-at meetings, social gatherings, or water-fountain chats.· It was a large, tiled canteen and was obviously the main social gathering place for the troops.· They played an important role, fostering their members' professional interests, organizing exhibitions, debates or social gatherings.· Male students drove hundreds of miles sometimes just to see a new face at a social gathering.· It was said that at any social gathering one person would be an informer.· Even social gatherings in Workplace 2000 will take on special meanings.
NOUN· Meanwhile I was to be foisted on my reluctant Aunt Harriet, whom I had only previously met at family gatherings.· He said the commission is considering creating casinos that are like social centers with salons for family gatherings alongside gambling tables.· She found herself in his office, the centre of a family gathering with their lawyer and a policewoman.· Husbands were home; family gatherings were in the offing.· It's big healthy hunks of wholesome home cooking served to a joyous family gathering.· He enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and we had several family gatherings.
· Army intelligence supervised most of the information gathering and army technicians handled much of the technical work.· It would seem that much effort up to now has focused upon information gathering to the neglect of the other two processes.· The requirements of an effective information system. 3. Information gathering and processing. 4.· There is, however, no clear-cut distinction, rather a continuum exists between the specific procedures and general information gathering.· That is to say it would remove the overemphasis on a simultaneous and over-rich diet of information gathering and testing. 3.· The new satellite will double the country's capacity for information gathering from space.· We will look into the techniques of information gathering and analysis in Section 2.6.· The focus of information gathering will be on aggregated information to ascertain general trends so detailed accuracy will not be as important.
· For once in the treacherous business of intelligence gathering, the question of mutual trust had been answered on sight.· He helped suppress the Matabele rising in 1896, and learned the elements of scouting and intelligence gathering.· But in the mid-1970s there was an acrimonious conflict between the different intelligence gathering agencies in the province.· Use was made of facilities for communications, intelligence gathering, and early warning systems.· They are primarily used for screening purposes, intelligence gathering, surveillance and harassment.· In mainland Britain MI5 now has the lead role in intelligence gathering.
VERB· On our way back to Aden we attended a gathering of Arab sheikhs, who presented my father with a magnificent dagger.
· So the department's Robert Allen told a gathering of hospital dentists and materials scientists in Liverpool last week.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
1a meeting of a group of people: - And in some cases, the information gathering exercise itself has its benefits.
- Army intelligence supervised most of the information gathering and army technicians handled much of the technical work.
- But in the mid-1970s there was an acrimonious conflict between the different intelligence gathering agencies in the province.
- For once in the treacherous business of intelligence gathering, the question of mutual trust had been answered on sight.
- He helped suppress the Matabele rising in 1896, and learned the elements of scouting and intelligence gathering.
- It is vital that a reformulated strategy be built upon better intelligence gathering and better coordination of intelligence between agencies.
- It would seem that much effort up to now has focused upon information gathering to the neglect of the other two processes.
- The arcane field of intelligence gathering may prove him wrong, says Charles Grant.
a select gathering of 20 or 30 people2intelligence/information etc gathering the process of collecting information from many different places3a fold or group of folds in cloth