rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryconcoursePublic gathering space
noun

concourse

KAHN-kors/ˈkɑːnkɔːrs/

A gathering together in one place.

A small concourse of travelers gathers with luggage beneath the hall's high arch.

Open transit-hall concourse vignette with a handful of people gathering with luggage beneath high arch, sparse architectural outline, no signs.
Etymology
conLatintogether
+courseLatinto run

“Running together” first described movement toward one place, then the resulting gathering or crowd. The name shifted from the people assembling to the open space where they gather.

In context

Best Documentary1170:50
I ran out to the concourse, the World Trade Center concourse. and all I see was mobs of people running
9/11: The Complete Day | 20 Hours Raw Footage

More examples

  • A concourse of fans waits outside the theater.
  • The concourse grows as more visitors arrive for the ceremony.
  • The annual fair draws a lively concourse of local families.

Forms

concourse · concourses

Similar words

gathering
The everyday alternative, suitable for groups of any size.
crowd
Emphasizes many people together, often close to one another.
assembly
Usually suggests an organized gathering with a shared purpose.