noun

congregation

kahng-grih-GAY-shuhn/ˌkɑːŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃn/

People or things assembled together.

The congregation sits together in the pews facing a wooden cross.

A compact group of five worshippers sits together on two short church pew sections facing a plain wooden cross and simple lectern fragment.

Etymology

conLatintogether

+gregLatinflock

+ationLatinaction or process

The flock image underlies both the act of gathering together and the assembled group. Biblical translation and religious use helped specialize this general assembly into a community gathered for worship.

In context

Grace to You4:42

So the assumption in Hebrews 13 is that this congregation of Hebrew believers have legitimate, honest, faithful shepherds and they need to follow those shepherds.

Practical Concerns in the Local Church: An Interview with John MacArthur (Selected Scriptures)

More examples

A small congregation of neighbors gathers outside the town hall.
The congregation welcomes new members after the service.
A noisy congregation of gulls fills the harbor.

Forms

congregation · congregations

congregate verb — To come together in a group.

Similar words

gathering: A broad term for people or things brought together.
assembly: Usually emphasizes people gathered for an organized purpose.
crowd: Emphasizes many people together, often without a shared purpose.