congregation

[ kong-gri-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an assembly of persons brought together for common religious worship.
2. the act of congregating or the state of being congregated.
3. a gathered or assembled body; assemblage.
4. an organization formed for the purpose of providing for worship of God, for religious education, and for other church activities; a local church society.
5. (in the Bible) the people of Israel.
6. New Testament. the Christian church in general.
7. Roman Catholic Church.
   1. a committee of cardinals or other ecclesiastics.
   2. a community of men or women, either with or without vows, observing a common rule.
8. (at English universities) the general assembly of the doctors, fellows, etc.
9. (in colonial North America) a parish, town, plantation, or other settlement.

congregation

/ ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən /

noun

1. a group of persons gathered for worship, prayer, etc, esp in a church or chapel
2. the act of congregating or collecting together
3. a group of people, objects, etc, collected together; assemblage
4. the group of persons habitually attending a given church, chapel, etc
5. RC Church
   1. a society of persons who follow a common rule of life but who are bound only by simple vows
   2. Also calleddicastery an administrative subdivision of the papal curia
   3. an administrative committee of bishops for arranging the business of a general council
6. an assembly of senior members of a university

Word History and Origins

Origin of congregation¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English congregacio(u)n, from Anglo-French or directly from Latin congregātiōn- (stem of congregātiō ); congregate, -ion

Example Sentences

Smyth was a prominent barrister as well as a lay preacher - a member of the congregation who delivers sermons but is not ordained - who ran summer camps for young Christians.

From BBC

It makes for a strange tone throughout the film, that the congregation is so horrified by kids who are clearly hungry and fending for themselves, so it’s hard to laugh at their high jinks.

From Los Angeles Times

Wouldn’t you know it, that crazy group of kids helps not just Grace to see the light but everyone in their congregation.

From Los Angeles Times

I was “first lady” of a small country church congregation and I wanted more.

From Salon

It has even had an impact within the congregation here.

From BBC

Related Words

• audience
• crowd
• flock
• gathering
• parish
• throng