noun / verb
throng
THRAWNG/θrɔːŋ/
A tightly packed crowd of people, or to gather in one.
A dense throng fills the pedestrian space.
Etymology
Throng probably comes from Old English geþrang, “crowd, tumult,” related to a verb meaning “push, crowd, press.” That connection evokes people packed together, rather than simply a large number.
In context
The throng of vagabonds, uttering loud acclamations, crowded to its foot to ascend.
More examples
- Visitors thronged the narrow street.
- We moved slowly through the throng.
- Fans throng the square before every match.
Forms
throng · throngs · thronged · thronging
Similar words
- crowd
- Crowd is the general term; throng emphasizes a dense gathering.
- mob
- A mob often suggests disorder or aggression; a throng need only be tightly packed.