congregation

noun8

1. •
   A gathering of faithful in a temple, church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship, especially those present at a devotional service or who regularly attend such services, particularly in contrast to the leadership, choir or others.

   • In Hebrew, bonai shalom means “builders of peace,” and the congregation welcomes both Jews and non-Jews to participate in all aspects of the community. — 2025
2. •
   A corporate body whose members gather for worship, or the members of such a body.
3. •
   Any large gathering of people.
4. •
   A flock of birds.

   • "Oh! I wasted most of my morning crawling to a murmuration of starlings, which I foolishly mistook for congregation of plover." — 1893
5. •
   A group of alligators or crocodiles.

   • A congregation of crocodiles will communicate with body language and behavior and are also extremely territorial predators. — 2010
6. •
   The act of congregating or collecting together.
7. •
   A Roman Congregation, a main department of the Vatican administration of the Catholic Church.
8. •
   (UK) The main body of university staff, comprising academics, administrative staff, heads of colleges, etc.