congregation

[kong-gri-gey-shuhn]

noun

1. an assembly of persons brought together for common religious worship.

2. the act of congregating or the state of being congregated.

3. a gathered or assembled body; assemblage.

4. an organization formed for the purpose of providing for worship of God, for religious education, and for other church activities; a local church society.

5. (in the Bible) the people of Israel.

6. New Testament.,  the Christian church in general.

7. Roman Catholic Church.

   1. a committee of cardinals or other ecclesiastics.

   2. a community of men or women, either with or without vows, observing a common rule.

8. (at English universities) the general assembly of the doctors, fellows, etc.

9. (in colonial North America) a parish, town, plantation, or other settlement.

congregation

/ ˌkɒŋɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən /

noun

1. a group of persons gathered for worship, prayer, etc, esp in a church or chapel

2. the act of congregating or collecting together

3. a group of people, objects, etc, collected together; assemblage

4. the group of persons habitually attending a given church, chapel, etc

5. RC Church

   1. a society of persons who follow a common rule of life but who are bound only by simple vows

   2. Also called: dicastery. an administrative subdivision of the papal curia

   3. an administrative committee of bishops for arranging the business of a general council

6. an assembly of senior members of a university

Word History and Origins

Origin of congregation¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English congregacio(u)n, from Anglo-French or directly from Latin congregātiōn- (stem of congregātiō ); congregate, -ion

Example Sentences

Princess Anne was among the bridesmaids at their wedding in York Minster, with the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles in the congregation.

From BBC

In many Christian churches, donating, or “giving offerings,” is integral to earning respect and a sense of belonging from the congregation.

From Salon

The five outstanding charges relate to four women who were part of the NOS, which blended live music and multi-media displays in services and attracted hundreds of young people to its congregation.

From BBC

The church, which caters mainly to students and a younger congregation, was active on YouTube and Instagram.

From BBC

Away from the praise and the bright lights, however, members of the congregation described Brain as "manipulative and dictatorial".

From BBC

Related Words

• audience 
• crowd 
• flock 
• gathering 
• parish 
• throng