rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhuddleClose gathering
noun / verb

huddle

HUD-uhl/hˈʌdʌl/

A close gathering of people, or gathering closely together.

The three people huddle with shoulders close and heads inclined inward.

Three people form a compact inward-facing huddle, shoulders nearly touching and heads inclined together as one speaks quietly into the small shared space.
Etymology
huddleLow Germanto cover, shelter

Huddle probably comes from a verb for covering or sheltering, used of hens with chicks or nurses with children. Its early English meaning “heap or crowd together” connects that protective closeness with a close gathering.

In context

Love Nature: Predators37:44
The high-ranked females form their exclusive huddle. For the lower ranked, bedtime is often more of a solitary affair.
Running Wild With Macaque Troops | Macaque Island - FULL SEASON MARATHON

More examples

  • The players formed a quick huddle.
  • They huddled against the cold.
  • A small group is huddling near the entrance.

Forms

huddle · huddles · huddled · huddling

Similar words

cluster
Any close grouping, not necessarily for discussion or warmth.
gather
Does not imply such close physical spacing.