Gathering Meaning
Gathering Definition & Usage
A gathering refers to an assembly or meeting of people, often for social, celebratory, or communal purposes.
Examples
- "The annual family gathering was held at the beach this year."
- "After the concert, there was a gathering at the local café."
- "The town's harvest festival is a large gathering of people from all around the region."
- "They organized a small gathering to celebrate her promotion."
- "The gathering of like-minded individuals sparked an inspiring conversation about environmental issues."
A gathering can also refer to the act of collecting, bringing together, or accumulating something.
Examples
- "The gathering of the harvest was an important community event."
- "He made a quick gathering of supplies before heading out to the camp."
- "The gathering of evidence in the case took weeks to complete."
- "She began the gathering of her thoughts before speaking in front of the crowd."
- "The volunteers were tasked with the gathering of donations for the shelter."
A gathering can also refer to a concentration or collection of things in a particular location.
Examples
- "There was a gathering of clouds in the sky, signaling an impending storm."
- "The gathering of people outside the theater grew larger as the time for the show approached."
- "The gathering of debris after the storm took hours to clear."
- "A gathering of stray dogs roamed the streets in search of food."
- "The gathering of fallen leaves created a thick carpet on the forest floor."
Cultural Context
The concept of a gathering is deeply ingrained in many cultures, often associated with social, celebratory, or religious rituals. Whether it's a family reunion, a community event, or a religious festival, gatherings serve as opportunities for people to connect, celebrate, and share experiences. In many cultures, the success of a gathering is judged by the warmth, inclusivity, and joy it brings to those involved.
The Gathering of a Lifetime
Story
The Gathering of a Lifetime
It was a bright summer afternoon when the town of Willowbrook hosted its annual harvest festival, a gathering that had become the heart of the community for generations. The streets were alive with the sound of laughter and chatter as families from all around gathered to celebrate the year's bounty. Children ran about, their faces painted with bright colors, while the scent of freshly baked pies filled the air. Among the many booths set up by local artisans, Clara, a long-time resident of Willowbrook, stood proudly by her family's stall, selling handmade quilts. She had spent the last few weeks preparing for this event, gathering materials, stitching, and preparing the booth. It was always a lot of work, but the joy of the gathering made it worthwhile. As she adjusted a quilt on the table, Clara couldn't help but think back to the first gathering she attended as a child. Her parents had brought her to the festival every year, and she had always marveled at how everyone in town seemed to come together as one. This year, it felt particularly special. She noticed familiar faces, but there were also newcomers—families that had recently moved to Willowbrook. The gathering had grown, but its warmth and sense of unity had not changed. In the afternoon, Clara joined some old friends for a picnic near the town square. As they sat under the shade of an old oak tree, they spoke of the past and shared stories of their children. It was moments like these that made the gathering so meaningful—a collection of shared memories, of traditions passed down through the years. As the sun began to set, the gathering continued with dancing, music, and fireworks. Clara looked around and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this community, where people not only gathered in the physical sense but in spirit as well. For Clara, the harvest festival was more than just a tradition—it was a celebration of togetherness, a reminder of what it meant to be part of something greater than oneself.