verb / adjective
congregate
KAHNG-grih-gayt/ˈkɑːŋɡrɪɡeɪt/
Gathering together in a group.
The friends congregate around the park bench.

Etymology
The pieces evoke herding together into a flock. Applied to people, that image becomes gathering into an assembly or simply coming together as a group.
In context
where people can congregate almost like an outdoor sitting room. Something that encourages you to come together and relax.
More examples
- Birds congregated around the feeder.
- The congregation uses a large hall for congregate dining.
- Small groups began congregating outside the theater.
Forms
congregate · congregates · congregated · congregating
congregation noun — a gathering of people