throng

[ thrawng, throng ]

noun

1. a multitude of people crowded or assembled together; crowd.

   Synonyms: assemblage, host, horde

2. a great number of things crowded or considered together:

   a throng of memories.

3. Chiefly Scot. pressure, as of work.

verb (used without object)

1. to assemble, collect, or go in large numbers; crowd.

verb (used with object)

1. to crowd or press upon; jostle.
2. to fill or occupy with or as with a crowd:

   He thronged the picture with stars.

3. to bring or drive together into or as into a crowd, heap, or collection.
4. to fill by crowding or pressing into:

   They thronged the small room.

adjective

, Scot. and North England.

1. filled with people or objects; crowded.
2. (of time) filled with things to do; busy.

throng

/ θrɒŋ /

noun

1. a great number of people or things crowded together

verb

1. to gather in or fill (a place) in large numbers; crowd
2. tr to hem in (a person); jostle

adjective

1. dialect.
   postpositive busy

Other Words From

• inter·thronging adjective
• over·throng verb
• un·thronged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of throng¹

before 1000; (noun) Middle English; Old English gethrang; cognate with Dutch drang, German Drang pressure, Old Norse thrǫng throng; (adj. and v.) Middle English; akin to the noun; compare obsolete thring to press

Word History and Origins

Origin of throng¹

Old English gethrang; related to Old Norse throng, Old High German drangōd

Synonym Study

See crowd ¹.

Example Sentences

We join the throngs of Chinese tour groups walking through white marble gates.

From BBC

One man among the throng had travelled a little less far than other enthusiasts - he had journeyed from a few hundred metres away in the village.

From BBC

One accountant in the throng clutched five copies, intending to mail the book to his nephews and nieces in the Midwest.

From Los Angeles Times

The film seems more concerned with what others — the media, the throngs outside the courthouse — expect Joker to be.

From Los Angeles Times

The Ducks and Trojans are also known for bringing throngs of fans, meaning the Bruins could be in for a big attendance bump after averaging only 47,951 fans at the Rose Bowl last season.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bunch
• congregation
• crush
• flock
• gathering
• horde
• mass
• mob
• multitude
• sellout
• swarm