The Abstract Noun

Recognize an abstract noun when you see one.

Nouns name people, places, and things. One class of nouns is abstract. Your five senses cannot detect this group of nouns. You cannot see them, hear them, smell them, taste them, or feelthem.

Cannot see

Cannot hear

Cannot smell

Cannot taste

Cannot touch

Check out the following example:

When Joseph dived into the violent waves to rescue a drowning puppy, hisbravery amazed the crowd of fishermen standing on the dock.

Bravery, one of the nouns in this sentence, is an example of an abstract noun. You can seeJoseph, the water, and the crowd. But you cannot see bravery itself. Bravery has no color, size, shape, sound, odor,

flavor, or texture; it has no quality that you can see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. Any noun that escapes your five senses is an abstract noun.

Don't confuse an abstract noun with a concrete noun.

Many nouns are concrete, not abstract. Concrete nouns register on your five senses. Here is an example:
Joseph cuddled the wet puppy under his warm jacket.

Puppy is an example of a concrete noun. You can see a puppy, stroke its fur, smell its breath, and listen to it whine. You can even taste the puppy if you don't mind pulling dog hair off your tongue! Because a puppy will register on all five senses, puppy is a concrete noun. Look over this chart contrasting abstract and concrete nouns:

Abstract Nouns

Concrete Nouns

deceit dedication curiosity trust relaxation

the President teacher cat airplane bubble bath

Abstract Nouns
An abstract noun is a type of noun that refers to something a person cannot physically interact with. A noun is a person, place or thing. However, in many cases, the 'thing' might be an intangible concept which means it is an abstract form of noun. In this instance, abstract means to exist apart from concrete existence. A noun that is abstract is an aspect, concept, idea, experience, state of being, trait, quality, feeling, or other entity that cannot be experienced with the five senses.

Recognizing When a Noun is Abstract

Concrete nouns are people, places, or things that we d experience do with our five senses. The abstract class is the opposite - we can never experience these nouns according to our senses. If a noun describes something you can see, hear, touch, taste, or smell, it is not abstract. Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize when the noun is abstract because there are a number of words that can function in different ways. For example, some words might function as verbs in some cases and abstract nouns in other cases. Check to see whether the word in question is expressing action in some way or if it is a functioning as a 'thing.' Love and taste are two such examples. Ads by Google Improve your English - and experience the great city of London. Up to 44% discount. Book! www.schoolofenglish.org.uk Men's Skin Centres - Turn ur belly to well SCULPTED ABS! 30days Power Tummy Sculpting@RM1699 www.menskincentre.com.my National Concrete Corp - Global Supplier Of Concrete Plants New, Used & Refurbished www.nationalconcrete.com I love my husband. [In this sentence, the word love expresses an action and is therefore acting as a verb.] Send them my love. [In this sentence, the word love functions as an abstract noun because it is a thing that exists beyond the five senses.] Sarah could taste cilantro in the salsa. [In this sentence, the auxiliary verb 'could' functions with taste to illustrate action. She can physically taste the salsa.] Sarah has great taste in clothes. [In this sentence, taste functions in an abstract manner. Taste refers to her preferences.] Abstract nouns can be countable or non-countable (mass). They can also be in singular or possessive form. These nouns follow the same grammar rules as other nouns.
Common Abstract Nouns

y y

Emotions/Feelings
y y y y y y

Love Hate Anger Peace Pride Sympathy States/Attributes

Bravery

y y y y y y y y y y y y y

Loyalty Honesty Integrity Compassion Charity Success Courage Deceit Skill Beauty Brilliance Pain Misery Ideas/Concepts/Ideals

y y y y y y y y y y y y

Beliefs Dreams Justice Truth Faith Liberty Knowledge Thought Information Culture Trust Dedication Movements/Events

y y y y y y y

Progress Education Hospitality Leisure Trouble Friendships Relaxation

Abstract forms of nouns are very common and an important part of communication. In many cases these types of nouns are derived from an addition of a suffix or alteration in the root word. Child is a concrete noun, for example, but childhood is an intangible state, so it is abstract. Nouns with the following suffixes are often abstract:
y y y y y y y y y y

-tion -ism -ity -ment -ness -age -ance/-ence -ship -ability -acy
Using Abstract vs. Concrete Nouns in Writing

Abstraction is an important part of communication. These nouns name things that can't be seen, heard, tasted, smelled or touched, but allow us to express information by defining them on some level. An important precaution for students and writers, however, is that there is the danger of the being misunderstood when using abstract forms in writing. Words like love, freedom, beauty, taste, and justice, might mean different things to different people. To one person, good taste means eclectic and original; to another good taste might mean clean and modern. Teachers and writing coaches often recommend using concrete nouns to support any abstract references, thereby clarifying the message you are trying to convey. Understanding and recognizing abstract nouns is important. Although these nouns give expression to intangible entities, sentences with fewer abstract and more concrete nouns are typically more concise and clear.
1.1) EXERCISE - COMMON NOUNS

Identify the Common Nouns in the following sentences.

1. We arrived early at the station.

Click here for the answer 2. There are different species of fish.

Click here for the answer 3. The man was trying to steal his car.

Click here for the answer 4. They have gone to the zoo.

Click here for the answer 5. The baby is crying.

Click here for the answer 6. My mother is in the kitchen.

Click here for the answer 7. He threw some nuts to the monkeys.

Click here for the answer 8. The children are playing in the field.

Click here for the answer 9. That temple was built before I was born.

Click here for the answer 10. He has bought a new car.

Click here for the answer 11. My father likes to swim.

Click here for the answer 12. She won a trophy in a competition.

Click here for the answer 13. I like to ride on a camel.

Click here for the answer 14. Do birds eat meat?

Click here for the answer 15. He went to visit his uncle.

Click here for the answer 16. My brother wants to play with us.

Click here for the answer 17. Let me have a look at your puppy.

Click here for the answer 18. The taxi broke down.

Click here for the answer 19. The boys are playing noisily.

Click here for the answer 20. She is hanging out the clothes to dry.

Click here for the answer

( 1.2) EXERCISE - PROPER NOUNS

Use capital letters for Proper Nouns in the following sentences.

1. paris is the capital of france.

Click here for the answer 2. william shakespeare is a famous english author.

Click here for the answer 3. war and peace' was written by leo tolstoy.

Click here for the answer 4. The universities of oxford and cambridge offer degree courses at the highest level.

Click here for the answer 5. john's two dogs are named rover and boxer.

Click here for the answer 6. david will travel to france to do a degree course on the french revolution.

Click here for the answer 7. suez canal joins the red sea and the mediterranean sea.

Click here for the answer 8. republic of liberia is on the west coast of africa.

Click here for the answer 9. mick jagger is the lead singer of rolling stones

Click here for the answer 10. mount kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in africa.

Click here for the answer

( 1.3) EXERCISE - ABSTRACT NOUNS

Form Abstract Nouns from the following.

man

scholar

king

know

sell

think

long

strong

wise

brother

lose

great

Click here for the answer

( 1.4) EXERCISE - COLLECTIVE NOUNS

Fill in the blank s with suitable collective nouns.

1. A _____ of birds flew high in the sky.

Click here for the answer 2. They saw a _____ of lions at the zoo.

Click here for the answer 3. The farmer has a _____ of cattle on his farm.

Click here for the answer 4. He ate a _____ of grapes today.

Click here for the answer

5. Our friend shows us a _____ of stamps.

Click here for the answer 6. We saw a _____ of sheep on our way home.

Click here for the answer 7. Police have arrested a _____ of thieves.

Click here for the answer 8. She bought a _____ of bananas from the market.

Click here for the answer 9. The _____ of pupils are listening attentively to their teacher.

Click here for the answer 10. You can put the _____ of tools in that box.

Click here for the answer

( 1.5) EXERCISE - COUNTABLE & UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

Complete each sentence by choosing the correct word.

1. There is so (many, much) smoke coming out of the chimney.

Click here for the answer 2. There are (plenty of, a large amount of) fish in the pond.

Click here for the answer 3. (A little, A few) minutes is all it takes for him to shave.

Click here for the answer 4. The postman put (a great deal of, a lot of) letters into the bag.

Click here for the answer 5. He threw (a little, some) nuts to the monkeys.

Click here for the answer 6. She uses only (a few, a little) cooking oil in her cooking.

Click here for the answer 7. My hens lay (a large amount of, several) eggs very day.

Click here for the answer 8. (A great deal of, A large number of) dust has collected on the desk.

Click here for the answer 9. We saw (a large amount of, many) cows grazing in the field.

Click here for the answer 10. The butcher sells (a large amount of, a large number of) meat.

Click here for the answer

( 1.6) EXERCISE - GENDER

Change the nouns in bold from the feminine to the masculine.

1. My aunt visits her niece every week-end.

Click here for the answer 2. The lady has several mares on her farm.

Click here for the answer 3. The daughter is more talkative than her mother.

Click here for the answer 4. Does any actress like to play the role of the princess?

Click here for the answer 5. Their queen is a widow.

Click here for the answer 6. The manageress is still a spinster.

Click here for the answer 7. In the movie, the tigress was killed by the heroine.

Click here for the answer 8. His daughter-in-law is a postmistress.

Click here for the answer 9. The countess has one sister.

Click here for the answer 10. The authoress is writing a book about the empress.

Click here for the answer

Change the nouns in bold from the masculine to the feminine.

11. The bridegroom thanked the priest.

Click here for the answer 12. His brother works as a waiter.

Click here for the answer 13. The dog barked at the milkman.

Click here for the answer 14. A cock was killed by a fox.

Click here for the answer 15. The manservant has worked many years for the duke.

Click here for the answer 16. Her husband is a conductor.

Click here for the answer 17. He was a postman before he became a postmaster.

Click here for the answer 18. The lad wants to be a monk.

Click here for the answer 19. The sultan owns a stallion.

Click here for the answer 20. Her father-in-law is a landlord.

Click here for the answer

( 1.7) EXERCISE - FORMING NOUNS FROM NOUNS

Fill in the blanks with abstract nouns from the nouns in brackets.

1. I had a very happy ______ (child).

Click here for the answer 2. I forgot to renew my _____ (member) in the sailing club.

Click here for the answer 3. We formed a deep and lasting _____ (friend).

Click here for the answer 4. He hopes to take over the _____ (leader) of the party.

Click here for the answer 5. There are lots of nice people in the _____ (neighbour).

Click here for the answer 6. In the _____ (king) of Thailand, the king commands the respect of every citizen.

Click here for the answer

7. She seems to be enjoying _____ (mother).

Click here for the answer 8. He had barely reached _____ (man) when he married.

Click here for the answer

The Collective Nouns

There are two varieties of collective noun listed here. When i receive a submission, i check all available sources for a reference. If i find one (in, for instance, a dictionary), i denote it here as a "submission". If i don't, i denote it a "suggestion". Feel free to submit a collective noun if you don't find it here. The goal is not (yet) to be comprehensive - merely entertaining. This list is alphabetical by the collective noun. You'll note that there are multiple listings for a few types, for instance, "a hive of bees" and "a swarm of bees". These typically refer to terms that stem from different types of collection. In the example, "hive" is from the domicile of bees, and "swarm" is from a group of flying bees. This will be noted, and derivation given, where possible and confirmed. Please feel free to submit derivations (or even corrections!) for verification. Jump List: Submit | Rules | Mailing List | Bibliography | Related Info | Credits | Feedback The Collective Noun Page | Linguistic Fun Page | OjoHaven

An aarmory of aardvarks (-submitted by ojo6-) An abandonment of orphans (-suggested by Toni Stern, via Gerald 'Jerry' Rounds, bloodflame@dellnet.com-) An abominable sight of monks (-submitted by ojo6-) An absence of waiters (-suggested by Alexander Page, alexander.page@hamburg.netsurf.de-) An accompaniment of condiments (-suggested by David Lloyd-Mostyn, MUS9JAC@leeds.ac.uk-) An addition of mathematicians (-suggested by RP4-) An agenda of tasks (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) An amble of walkers (-suggested by RP4-)

An ambush of widows (-suggested by Angi Drew, A.Drew@sussex.ac.uk-) An annoyance of mobile phones (-suggested by kenneth.crane@ntlworld.com-) An anthology of prostitutes (derivation: see below5 -suggested by Mic Bergen, mbergen@anacreon.com-) An anvil of blacksmiths (-suggested by RP4-) An archive of programmers (-suggested by Frank A. Geisel, frankie@mtg.saic.com-) An armada of ships (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) An army of caterpillars (-CCW2-) An army of frogs (-MG3-) An array of luminaries (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) An assemblage of jigsaw puzzlers (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) An assembly of toys (-suggested by Brian French, brian.french@pwgsc.gc.ca-) An asylum of managers (-suggested by Rodney Jude, Rodney.Jude@tesco.net-) An atlas of maps (-submitted by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk, from the CD-ROM version of the OED-) An attitude of teenagers (-suggested by RP4-) An audit of accountants (-suggested by Richard Blackwell, richard@planetsymphony.com-) An audit of bookkeepers (-suggested by Richard Blackwell, richard@planetsymphony.com-) An aurora of polar bears (-suggested by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) An autumn of leaves (-suggested by RP4-) A babel of words (-suggested by Michael G. Pirrello, CHMM, pirre001@acpub.duke.edu-) A balance of accountants (-suggested by Dan Hubbard, hubbard@msmary.edu-) A bale of turtles A ballet of swans (-suggested by Diane L. Gottheiner, diane.gottheiner@sap-ag.de-) A band of gorillas A band of jays (-MG3-) A band of men (-submitted by ojo6-) A bank of circuits (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-)

A bank of monitors (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A barren of mules (-MG3-) A battery of tests (-submitted by David Henderson, davidh@camelot.bradley.edu-) A beautification of spatulas (-suggested by jeff brown, brown-0007@eastplains.net-) A bed of clams (-MG3-) A bed of oysters (-MG3-) A bed of snakes (-CCW2-) A belt of asteroids (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A bend of willows (-suggested by RP4-) A bestiary of mythological creatures (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A bevy of beauties (-submitted by ojo6-) A bevy of business angels (-according to the November Newsletter of YABA-) A bevy of dowagers (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A bevy of quail A bevy of swans (-MG3-) A bevy of tanked sorority girls (possibly from Outland, -submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A bill of particulars (-submitted by ojo6-) A billing of consultants (-suggested by Brian French, brian.french@pwgsc.gc.ca-) A billow of smokers (-suggested by RP4-) A blaze of pyromaniacs (-suggested by RP4-) A blessing of unicorns (-submitted by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A bloat of hippopotami (-submitted by ojo6-) A blur of bicyclists (-suggested by RP4-) A blush of embarassments (-suggested by RP4-) A boast of soldiers (-submitted by ojo6-) A body of pathologists (-suggested by several contributers7-) A bond of British secret agents (-suggested by Rex Stocklin, stocklin@earthlink.net-)

A bongsuckling of white house staffers (-suggested by Daniel J. Lash, danlash@tln.net-) A boo of surprises (-submitted by David Henderson, davidh@camelot.bradley.edu-) A book of mormons (-submitted by ojo6-) A bottle of source code (-suggested by Paul Gallagher, paulpg@ozemail.com.au-) A bouquet of flowers (-submitted by ojo6-) A bouquet of pheasants (when flushed. -TR1-) A bout of estimations (-suggested by RP4-) A brace of grouse A brace of orthodontists (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A bridge of admirals (-submitted by ojo6-) A brigade of soldiers (-submitted by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A broadside of (artillery) shells (on water. -submitted by ojo6-) A brood of hens (-submitted by ojo6-) A buffoonery of orangutans (-submitted by ojo6-) A building of rooks (-TR1-) A bunch of drongoes (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A bunch of grapes (-submitted by ojo6-) A bunch of janes (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A burden of yolks (-suggested by RP4-) A bury of conies (-MG3-) A business of ferrets (-submitted by Liz Moore, lmoore@gate.mrc.gov.au-) A business of flies (-CCW2-) A buttload of proctologists (-suggested by Frc1000@aol.com-) A cackle of hyenas (-submitted by ojo6-) A calendar of saints (-submitted by ojo6-) A camp of transvestites (-suggested by Brett_Adkins, hadkins@tmecl.co.za Suggestion-) A candle of tapirs (-suggested by RP4-)

A cast of actors (thousands, etc., in a performance -thanks to fisher, vonzelle@interport.net-) A cast of falcons (-TR1-) A cast of hawks A cavalcade of horsemen (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A cavvy of extra cowboy mounts (-MG3-) A cete of badgers A chain of islands (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A charlotte of webpages (-submitted by David Henderson, davidh@camelot.bradley.edu-) A charm of finches A chattering of choughs A chorus of angels (-submitted by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A circle of Babbitts (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A circus of fighter (aircraft -submitted by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk, from the CDROM version of the OED-) A clank of tanks (-submitted by ojo6-) A class of students A clatter of tanks (-suggested by RP4-) A clench of sphincters (-suggested by Rowan Hamilton, rhamilt@unixhub.slac.stanford.edu-) A click of (computer) mice (-submitted by David Henderson, davidh@camelot.bradley.edu-) A clipping of geldings (-suggested by RP4-) A cloud of bats (-submitted by ojo6-) A cloud of gnats A cloud of grasshoppers (-submitted by ojo6-) A cloud of plankton (-suggested by David Lucas, David.Lucas@computershare.com.au-) A clowder of cats A clump of freshman (-suggested by Dave Mallick, mallick@panther.middlebury.edu-) A cluster of alpha computers (-from Tips, Tidbits, and Technical Topics-) A cluster of grasshoppers (-CCW2-)

A clutch of auto mechanics (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net-) A clutch of chicks A clutch of eggs (-CCW2-) A clutch of kleptomaniacs (-suggested by RP4-) A clutch of leering women (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A clutch of testicles (-suggested by Ron Carroll, ronbo@gol.com-) A clutch of wrestlers (-suggested by Joan Garinger, jgaringer@earthlink.net-) A clutter of cats A clutter of starlings (-submitted by ojo6-) A collective of nouns (-suggested by Bruce Crichton, rainbow1@jax-inter.net-) A college of electors (-submitted by ojo6-) A colony of ants (-submitted by ojo6-) A colony of beavers (-CCW2-) A colony of gulls (-MG3-) A colony of microbiologists (-suggested by Brad Childs, Brad.Childs@pfizer.com of Australia-) A colony of penguins (-TR1-) A colony of rabbits (-ojo6-) A company of parrots (-TR1-) A company of soldiers (-submitted by ghanka@bindview.com-) A compromise of senators (-suggested by Daniel J. Lash, danlash@tln.net-) A conflagration of arsonists (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A conflagration of pyromaniacs (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A confusion of [traffic] cones (-suggested by Margaret Webb, j&m@arachnid.freeserve.co.uk-) A confusion of meanderings (-suggested by RP4-) A congregation of people (-submitted by ojo6-) A congregation of plovers A congregation of worshipers

A congress of baboons (-suggested by an entry in the Harvard On-line Library-) A consort of Corgwyn ("Corgwyn - pronounced "corg'n," I think - is the plural for Corgi, either Pembroke or Cardigan". -suggested by Chris, Csv1026@aol.com-) A conspiracy of ravens (-submitted from Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A constable of ravens (-suggested by Adrian de Bear, adebear@spirit.com.au-) A constellation of satellites (-suggested by Patrick Murphy, pmurphy@space.honeywell.com-) A constellation of stars (-submitted by ojo6-) A constituency of voters (-submitted by ojo6-) A convention of tongues (-suggested by RP4-) A convocation of eagles (-MG3-) A cornucopia of slugs (-suggested by RP4-) A corps of cadets (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A coven of witches (-submitted by Alan Montemayor, amontemayor@swri.edu-) A cover of coots (-TR1,6-) A covey of grouse (-TR1-) A covey of partridges (-TR1-) A covey of pheasants (while on the ground. -CCW2-) A covey of ptarmigans (-TR1-) A covey of quail A cowardice of curs (-CCW2-) A crash of rhinoceroses (in contemporary use in Kenya Game Reports. -submitted by ojo6-) A crash of software (-suggested by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A creep of tortoises (-suggested by Susan Burton, Sue.R.Burton@btinternet.com-) A crew of military barbers (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A crush of shoppers (-suggested by RP4-) A crowd of onlookers A cruft of hackers (-according to The Hacker's Dictionary-) A crush of icebergs (-suggested by Michael, camperik@mb.sympatico.ca-)

A cry of hounds A cry of players (-submitted by ojo6-) A culture of bacteria (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A cutch of vellum (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A cupful of starlets (-suggested by RP4-) A cutting of cynics (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A dawn of morning glories (-suggested by RP4-) A death-row of turkeys (in November. -submitted by ojo6-) A debauchery of Hedonists (-suggested by RP4-) A deck of sailors (-submitted by ojo6-) A deceit of lapwings A deficit of economists (-suggested by Ted Roseman, troseman@magi.com-) A density of meatheads (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A descent of woodpeckers A design of engineers (-suggested by Frank A. Geisel, frankie@mtg.saic.com-) A desperation of divorcees (-suggested by Toni Stern, via Gerald 'Jerry' Rounds, bloodflame@dellnet.com-) A desperation of voters (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A dilation of pupils (-submitted by ojo6-) A disputation of lawyers (-suggested by Lee Daniel Quinn, gramps@iop.com-) A dissimulation of birds (-TR1-) A divergence of Canadians (-suggested by RP4-) A division of soldiers (-submitted by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A dole of doves (-CCW2-) A donut of data (-from The Hacker's Dictionary-) A doom of dragons (-suggested by ghrowl@phunsite.net-) A dose of doctors (-suggested by RP4-) A down of hares

A draught of fish (-MG3-) A dray of squirrels A drift of hogs (-submitted by ojo6-) A drift of icebergs (-suggested by Michael, camperik@mb.sympatico.ca-) A drift of swine A dropping of pigeons (-submitted by ojo6-) A drove of cabbies (-suggested by R. & K. Mendell, infoman@gte.net-) A drove of cattle A dule of doves (-MG3-) A drumming of grouse (derivation: their mating call, generated with the wings. -submitted by ojo6-) A durante of toucans (-submitted by ojo6-) An ecstasy of Morgans (-from the Morgan Factory-) An embarrassment of parents (for use by teenagers, -suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-) An embarrassment of riches (-submitted by ojo6-) An encroachment of fence-builders (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) An ensemble of homosexuals (-suggested by David Rachlin, Rachlin1@ix.netcom.com-) An equanimity of tranquilizers (-suggested by RP4-) An ergo of Cartesians (-suggested by RP4-) An erst of bees (-submitted by ojo, ojo@ojohaven.com, from Atlantic Veterinary College-) An evensong of choirboys (-submitted by ojo6-) An exaltation of larks (-submitted by ojo6-) A fall of woodcocks (-TR1-) A falling of dominoes (-suggested by RP4-) A fascination of listeners (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A fascination of on-lookers (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A fesnyng of ferrets (see "fesnyng" background -submitted by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A fidget of altarboys (-submitted by ojo6-)

A fidget of suspects (-suggested by Dennis Meyler, dmeyler@hti.net-) A field of racehorses (-MG3,6-) A fistful of dollars (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A flag of Americans (-suggested by RP4-) A flap of nuns (-submitted by ojo6-) A fleet of ships (-submitted by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A flight of cormorants (-TR1-) A flight of doves (-TR1-) A flight of golf balls (-suggested by RP4-) A flight of goshawks (-TR1-) A flight of refugees (-suggested by RP4-) A flight of stairs (-submitted by ojo6-) A flight of swallows A flink of cows (twelve or more, submitted by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A flitch of bacon (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A float of crocodiles (-submitted by ojo6-) A flock of sheep (-submitted by ojo6-) A flock of tourists (-suggested by an anonymous fan-) A flotilla of ships (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A flourish of blossoms (-suggested by RP4-) A flunk of students (-suggested by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A flush of wing commanders (aka "WCs". -submitted by ojo6-) A fluther of jellyfish (-submitted by ojo, ojo@ojohaven.com, from Atlantic Veterinary College-) A flock of white Christmas trees (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A flood of plumbers (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A fold of chairs (-suggested by RP4-) A formality of penguins (-suggested by Susu413@aol.com-)

A formation of geologists (-suggested by RP4-) A freeze of Northerners (-suggested by RP4-) A fright of ghosts (-suggested by RP4-) A gaggle of geese (wild or domesticated, notes -TR1, on water6-) A gaggle of pill poppers (-suggested by RP4-) A galaxy of stars (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A galaxy of starlets (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A gallop of Greyhounds (-suggested by Chris, Csv1026@aol.com-) A gam of whales (-MG3-) A gambol of dancers (-suggested by RP4-) A gang of elk A gang of hoodlums (-submitted by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A gatling of woodpeckers (-submitted by ojo6-) A geek of engineers (-suggested by Adam Pederson, pederson@rtt.colorado.edu-) A giggle of girls (-suggested by Kyle Hasselbacher, kyle@prarienet.org-) A glacier of freezers (-suggested by RP4-) A glitter of generals (-submitted by ojo6-) A glossolalia of pentacostals (-submitted by ojo6-) A glut of parrs (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A glut of pleasure (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A gossip of relatives (-suggested by David Rachlin, Rachlin1@ix.netcom.com-) A government of episcopalians (-submitted by ojo6-) A greed of lawyers (-suggested by Mic Bergen, mbergen@anacreon.com-) A grind of chores (-suggested by RP4-) A grip of hand tools (-suggested by Adam Pederson, pederson@rtt.colorado.edu-) A grist of bees (-MG3-) A groan of puns (-suggested by RP4-)

A gross of farts (-suggested by Peter Smith, petergeo@pipeline.com-) A grove of trees (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A grumble of Pugs (-suggested by Chris, Csv1026@aol.com-) A guilt of pleasures (-suggested by RP4-) A gush of sycophants (-suggested by Mal Walker, walkerus@tpg.com.au-) A hailstorm of gunships (-submitted by ojo6-) A hamper of helpers (-suggested by RP4-) A hand of bananas (-submitted by ojo6-) A handful of palm readers (-suggested by R. & K. Mendell, infoman@gte.net-) A harmony of beauties (-suggested by RP4-) A harmony of singers (suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-) A hassle of errands (-suggested by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A hatchet of corporate downsizing proposals (-suggested by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A heap of front-end loaders (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A heap of trash (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A heard of blind people (-suggested by Andy Roberts, aroberts@gsm.ucdavis.edu-) A herd of elephants A herd of horses (-submitted by ojo6-) A herd of pigs (-suggested by Lisa Donnelly, lisa@omniserv.co.za-) A herd of wrens (-submitted by ojo, ojo@ojohaven.com, from Atlantic Veterinary College-) A hide of tigers (-suggested by Margaret Harley-) A hill of beans (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A hiss of lisps (-suggested by RP4-) A hive of bees (derivation: habitat.) A horde of gnats A host of angels (-submitted from Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A host of sparrows

A hover of hummingbirds (-suggested by RP4-) A hover of trout A huddle of hippos (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A huddle of lawyers (-submitted by Dennis Meyler, dmeyler@hti.net-) A huddle of players (-submitted by ojo6-) A huff of people who write letters to the editor (-found in some web page in Australia-) A hug of teddy bears (-submitted by Danie Cox-Tonkin, saffire@busprod.com, quoting The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia by Pauline Cockrill, ISBN 1-56458-302-3-) A hum of bees (-suggested by RP4-) A husk of hares (-MG3-) An immersion of baptists (-submitted by ojo6-) An imposition of in-laws (-suggested by RP4-) An incantation of warlocks (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) An incantation of witches (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) An incision of surgeons (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) An indecision of managers (-suggested by Tim Hamilton, hamilt@labyrinth.net.au-) A jackson of gloves (-suggested by Paul Gallagher, paulpg@ozemail.com.au-) A jagger of tongues (-suggested by Paul Gallagher, paulpg@ozemail.com.au-) A jam of tarts (-suggested by Mic Bergen, mbergen@anacreon.com-) A jungle of Nazis (-suggested by RP4-) A Kervorkian of I.U. Med Students (-suggested by Daniel J. Lash, danlash@tln.net-) A kettle of drums (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A kettle of hawks (riding a thermal -TR1-) A kindle of kittens (-submitted by ojo6-) A kneeling of parishioners (-suggested by RP4-) A knot of eels (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A knot of frogs (-suggested by Rex Stocklin, stocklin@earthlink.net, quoting Richard Lederer's "The Play of Words"-)

A knot of renters (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A knot of Scottish bankers (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A knot of shoelaces (-suggested by Amellia Kapa, shakeney@xtra.co.nz-) A knot of toads (derivation: appearance.) A knuckle of gangsters (-suggested by Alexandra Irvin, airvin@coast.com-) A labour of moles (-submitted by ojo, ojo@ojohaven.com, from Atlantic Veterinary College-) A leap of hares (-submitted by luigi@vercotti.demon.co.uk-) A leap of leopards (-submitted by ojo6-) A leash of foxes A leash of hares (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A lechery of priests (-suggested by Toni Stern, via Gerald 'Jerry' Rounds, bloodflame@dellnet.com-) A lie of politicians (-submitted anonymously-) A litter of pigs A luck of dice (-suggested by Ginny Gross, ginnyg@execpc.com-) A lump of toads (-suggested by Rowan Hamilton, rhamilt@unixhub.slac.stanford.edu-) A machination of monkeys (-submitted by ojo6-) A magnum of hitmen (-suggested by Kyle Hasselbacher, kyle@prarienet.org-) A mask of raccoons (-submitted by ojo6-) A mass of Catholics (-suggested by Dave Mallick, mallick@panther.middlebury.edu-) A mass of priests (-submitted by ojo6-) A maul of bears (-suggested by Karl Broughton, karl_broughton@mindlink.bc.ca-) A maze of canyons (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A meaning of dictionaries (-suggested by Amellia Kapa, shakeney@xtra.co.nz-) A medusa of knots (-suggested by RP4-) A meet of racehorses (-suggested by Karl Broughton, karl_broughton@mindlink.bc.ca-) A meeting of quakers (-submitted by ojo6-) A melee of rioters (-suggested by RP4-)

A membership of presbyterians (-submitted by ojo6-) A menage of mongrels (-suggested by Chris, Csv1026@aol.com-) A mess of grits (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A mess of little boys (-suggested by Joan Garinger, jgaringer@earthlink.net-) A mess of officers (-submitted by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A mess of pottage (-submitted by ojo6-) A mint of candies (-suggested by RP4-) A minuscule of sub-atomic particles (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A minyan of Jews (the quorum for a congregation, -submitted by David Rachlin, Rachlin1@ix.netcom.com-) A mixture of pharmacists (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A moan of lamentations (-suggested by RP4-) A mob of kangaroo (-submitted by ojo6-) A mob of Texans (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A mug of narcissists (-suggested by RP4-) A multiplication of loafers (-suggested by RP4-) A murder of crows A murmur of alliterations (-suggested by RP4-) A murmer of nuns (as of their sound. -suggested by proman, proman@supanet.com-) A murmuration of starlings (-TR1-) A muscle of marines (-submitted by ojo6-) A muster of peacocks A muster of soldiers (-submitted by ojo6-) A muster of storks (-TR1-) A mustering of storks (-suggested by Rex Stocklin, stocklin@earthlink.net, quoting Richard Lederer's "The Play of Words"-) A mute of hounds A nag of grandparents (-suggested by David Rachlin, Rachlin1@ix.netcom.com-)

A nest of bowls (-suggested by RP4-) A nest of machine guns (-suggested by Greg D., pamille2@students.wisc.edu-) A nest of mice (-CCW2-) A nest of rabbits (in their habitat -CCW2-) A nest of vipers (-CCW2-) A nest of wasps (-submitted by ojo6-) A network of computers (linked together -submitted by Bob Brennert, bob@cknw.com-) A nobility of beasts (-suggested by RP4-) A number of mathematicians (-suggested by Ted Roseman, troseman@magi.com-) A nye of pheasants (while on the ground. -CCW2-) An observance of hermits (-submitted by ojo6-) An obscurity of poets (-suggested by RP4-) An orchestra of crickets (-suggested by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) An orchestra of musicians An order of waiters (-suggested by Karl Schonborn, kschonbo@infodoor.co.za-) An ostentation of peacocks (-TR1-) A pace of asses (-MG3-) A pack of hounds (-MG3-) A pack of suitcases (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A pack of wolves (-MG3-) A pad of (sheets of) paper (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A paddling of ducks (while swimming. -CCW2-) A pail of wasps (-suggested by RP4-) A pair of horses A palm of wankers (-suggested by Adrian de Bear, adebear@spirit.com.au-) A pander of toadies (-suggested by RP4-) A pantheon of gods (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-)

A parade of penguins (-submitted by Susu413@aol.com-) A parliament of owls A parliament of rooks (-submitted by Janice, jjc147@psuvm.psu.edu-) A party of jays (-TR1-) A passel of brats (-submitted by ojo6-) A patch of flowers (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A pathos of mourners (-suggested by RP4-) A patter of footsteps (-submitted by ojo6-) A peal of bells (-submitted by ojo6-) A peep of chickens (-TR1-) A peep-show of CDs (-suggested by Paul Gallagher, paulpg@ozemail.com.au-) A pencil of lines (proper contemporary group term in mathematics. -submitted by ojo6-) A pension of condominiums (-suggested by Paul Gallagher, paulpg@ozemail.com.au-) A phalanx of umbrellas (-suggested by RP4-) A piddle of puppies (-submitted by ojo6-) A pie-full of apples (-suggested by an anonymous fan-) A pile of dung (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A pinhead of angels (-suggested by RP4-) A pink of liberals (-suggested by RP4-) A piteousness of doves (-CCW2-) A pithy of truths (-suggested by RP4-) A pitying of turtledoves (-TR1-) A plague of locusts (-submitted by ojo6-) A plane of geometrists (-suggested by RP4-) A platoon of soldiers (-submitted by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A plump of waterfowl (-submitted by Dave M. Carden, davidc@pro-net.co.uk-) A plump of wildfowl (-suggested by Rex Stocklin, stocklin@earthlink.net, quoting Richard Lederer's "The Play of Words"-)

A plunder of goons (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A pod of seals A pod of whales (-CCW2-) A poke of fencers (-suggested by Mic Bergen, mbergen@anacreon.com-) A pomposity of professors (from Boston Common -submitted by Matthew M. Burke, burkemat@lyco.lycoming.edu-) A ponder of philosophers (-suggested by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A pontificality of prelates (-submitted by ojo6-) A posse of cock-turkeys (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A posse of posers (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A prattle of parrots (-submitted by ojo6-) A pretension of intellects (-suggested by Toni Stern, via Gerald 'Jerry' Rounds, bloodflame@dellnet.com-) A prevarication of consultants (-suggested by James Macrae, james.macrae@compel.co.uk, from a colleague, andyp@sifutures.ltd.uk-) A prey of nuns (-suggested by Peter Smith, petergeo@pipeline.com-) A prickle of hedgehogs (-submitted by Duane Godwin, aztech1@cis.co.za-) A prickle of porcupines (-submitted by ojo6-) A pride of lions A pride of stage mothers (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net-) A propriety of nouns (-suggested by RP4-) A pryde of griffins (-suggested by Matthew Buenaflor, mbuenaflor@comcastwork.net-) A pull of silk-screens (-suggested by RP4-) A pumphouse of egos (-suggested by RP4-) A quake of cowards (-suggested by Brian French, brian.french@pwgsc.gc.ca-) A quake of seismologists (-suggested by RP4-) A quarrel of lawyers (suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-) A quaver of arias (-suggested by RP4-) A quiz of teachers (-suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-)

A rabble of rats (-suggested by Ken Gower, ken.gower@greenvale.co.uk-) A rack of gears (-suggested by RP4-) A radiance of cardinals (-submitted by ojo6-) A raft of canvass-back ducks (-submitted by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk, from the CDROM version of the OED-) A raft of ducks (while idle in water. -CCW2-) A raft of widgeon (-submitted by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk, from the CD-ROM version of the OED-) A rafter of turkeys (-submitted by ojo6-) A rain of cats and dogs (-suggested by Phillip Blackerby, phillip@perfstrat.com-) A ramuda of horses (in a large group, as a herd) (-suggested by Phillip Blackerby, phillip@perfstrat.com-) A Rand of Objectivists (-suggested by Greg Hanka, ghanka@bindview.com-) A range of mountains (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A ream of bureaucrats (-suggested by Joseph Nied, jn3@ois.lemuria.com-) A reflection of narcissists (-suggested by Paul Healy, phealy@mis.gla.ac.uk-) A regatta of swans (on water. -suggested by Mal Walker, walkerus@tpg.com.au-) A release of anglers (-suggested by RP4-) A remuda of extra cowboy mounts (-MG3-) A rhyme of poets (suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-) A richness of martens (-MG3-) A ring of keys (linked physically, -submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A rope of pearls (-submitted by ojo6-) A round of circumnavigations (-suggested by RP4-) A round of drinks (-submitted by ojo6-) A route of wolves (-submitted by Rex Stocklin, stocklin@earthlink.net, quoting Richard Lederer's "The Play of Words"-) A rumble of artillery (-submitted by ojo6-) A rumpus of baboons (-submitted by ojo6-)

A run of cowards (-suggested by Rex Stocklin, stocklin@earthlink.net-) A run of poultry (-submitted by ojo6-) A rush of overnight couriers (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A rush of pochard (-submitted by ojo, ojo@ojohaven.com, from Atlantic Veterinary College-) A salon of Poodles (-suggested by Chris, Csv1026@aol.com-) A salt substrate of potato chips (-from The Hacker's Dictionary-) A salt substrate of pretzels (-from The Hacker's Dictionary-) A salt substrate of saltines (-from The Hacker's Dictionary-) A salvo of [artillery] shells (-submitted by ojo6-) A scale of ichthyologists (-suggested by RP4-) A scandal of shoes (-suggested by redshirt@altavista.net-) A school of fish (derivation: error. Was originally "shoal".) A sedge of cranes A sea of bishops (-submitted by ojo6-) A set of mathematicians (-suggested by Ted Roseman, troseman@magi.com-) A sheaf of wheat (stalks of grain tied together. -submitted by ojo6-) A shitload of troubles (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A shoal of bass A shoal[e] of goslings (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A shoal of shad (-submitted by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk, from the CD-ROM version of the OED-) A shock of corn (pile of stalks. -submitted by ojo6-) A shortage of dwarves (-from the Globe and Mail Newspaper?, submitted anonymously-) A shrewdness of apes A siege of herons A singular of boars (-MG3-) A skein of geese (in flight, notes -TR1,6-) A skulk of foxes (derivation: behavior.)

A slate of candidates (-submitted by ojo6-) A slew of homework (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A slice of circumcisions (-suggested by RP4-) A slither of gossip columnists (-suggested by RP4-) A slither of snakes (-suggested by David Rachlin, Rachlin1@ix.netcom.com-) A sloth of bears (-submitted by ojo6-) A smack of jellyfish (-submitted by ojo, ojo@ojohaven.com, from Atlantic Veterinary College-) A smashing of luddites (-suggested by RP4-) A smuth of jellyfish (-submitted by ojo, ojo@ojohaven.com, from Atlantic Veterinary College-) A snap of photographers (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A sneak of weasels (derivation: behavior. -Laura John, ljohn@salsa.walldata.com-) A Sodom of shepherds (-suggested by RP4-) A souffle of clouds (derivation: appearance -suggested by Ron Hawker, freshflowers@igrin.co.nz-) A sord of mallards (-TR1-) A sounder of swine (-submitted by ojo6-) A Sousa of marching bands (suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-) A splash of puddles (-suggested by Amellia Kapa, shakeney@xtra.co.nz-) A spread of nymphomaniacs (-suggested by [someone at] Evergreen School of English, everg@baobab.or.jp-) A sprig of vegetarians (-suggested by RP4-) A spring of seals A spring of teal (-TR1-) A sproutness of mushrooms (-suggested by David Rachlin, Rachlin1@ix.netcom.com-) A squad of soldiers (-submitted by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A squash of sermons (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A squeal of nieces (-suggested by Katherine Spivey, SpiveyK@theiacp.org-) A squint of proofreaders (-suggested by Katherine Spivey, SpiveyK@theiacp.org-) A stable of prostitutes (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-)

A staff of employees (-submitted by Philip F. Karpel, Jr., pkarpel@key-logic.com-) A stand of flamingo (-submitted by ojo6-) A stand of trees (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A stash of weed (when hidden, -submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A steam of turds (-suggested by Adrian de Bear, adebear@spirit.com.au-) A stench of skunks (-submitted by David Henderson, davidh@camelot.bradley.edu-) A stock of portfolio managers (-suggested by R, K, & F, infoman@gte.net) A storm of paratroops (-submitted by ojo6-) A strangle of bad laws (-suggested by Ron Hawker, freshflowers@xtra.co.nz-) A streak of tigers (-submitted by ojo6-) A stretch of giraffes (-suggested by Katherine Spivey, SpiveyK@theiacp.org-) A string of ponies (-submitted by ojo6-) A stripe of zebras (-suggested by David Rachlin, Rachlin1@ix.netcom.com-) A stud of mares A studk of jellyfish (-submitted by ojo, ojo@ojohaven.com, from Atlantic Veterinary College-) A subtlety of designers (-suggested by Frank A. Geisel, frankie@mtg.saic.com-) A sulk of teenagers (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A superfluity of nuns (-submitted by ojo6-) A superfluity of priests (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A superfluity of similes (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A swarm of bees (-submitted by ojo6-) A swarm of cockroaches (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A swarm of dirty ragged plebeians (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A swarm of haries (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A swarm of literary drones (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A swarm of suitors (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A swarm of sycophants (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-)

A sweetness of sopranos (suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-) A swelter of blankets (-suggested by Katherine Spivey, SpiveyK@theiacp.org-) A tangle of tricksters (according to Ms. Carol Ramsey and the classes of English 160 W97006 and English 160 W97008 at Camosun College in Victoria, BC. Canada -submitted by Prof. Peter Montgomery, Montgomery@camosun.bc.ca-) A team of atheletes (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A team of ducks (while flying. (-CCW2-) A team of horses A team of oxen (-submitted by ojo6-) A tedium of golfers (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A terror of terriers ("as any cat knows!" -suggested by Chris, Csv1026@aol.com-) A ticktock of clocks (-submitted by David Henderson, davidh@camelot.bradley.edu-) A tidings of magpies (-TR1-) A tilt of windmills (-suggested by RP4-) A tok of capercailzies (i.e., Old World grouse -MG3-) A tongue lashing of interpreters (-suggested by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A totter of giraffes (-submitted by ojo6-) A tough of lesbians (-suggested by David Rachlin, Rachlin1@ix.netcom.com-) A treachery of spies (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A tribe of goats (-MG3-) A tribe of monkeys (-MG3-) A tribe of natives (-submitted by Marila Belcher, MARILAB@iadb.org-) A trip of dotterel (-TR1-) A trip of goats A troop of kangaroo (-submitted by ojo6-) A troop of monkeys (-suggested by Rex Stocklin, stocklin@earthlink.net, quoting Richard Lederer's "The Play of Words"-) A troup of performers (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-) A tumult of tubas (suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-)

A tuz of hair (-suggested by David Bannister, db@antiquemaps.co.uk-) A tyranny of dictators (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A ubiquity of sparrows (-submitted by ojo6-) An undulation of hills (-suggested by RP4-) An unkindness of ravens (-submitted by Eve Costello-) A vagary of impediments (-suggested by Chet Meek, cmeek@city.grande-prairie.ab.ca-) A vane of directions (-suggested by RP4-) A vein of goldfinch (-suggested by RP4-) A vigor of hybrids (-suggested by RP4-) A vision of optometrists (-suggested by Amellia Kapa, shakeney@xtra.co.nz-) A visit of jehovah's witnesses (-submitted by ojo6-) A volery of birds (-submitted by ojo6-) A waddle of Basset Hounds (-suggested by Chris, Csv1026@aol.com-) A wailing of Weight Watchers (-suggested by Sue Henczel, zsmh02@gascor.vic.gov.au, from Anne M. Murphy-) A wake of vultures (-submitted by ojo6-) A walk of snipe (-MG3-) A wash of emotions (-suggested by Rex Stocklin, stocklin@earthlink.net-) A watch of nightingales A wave of surfers (-suggested by Brian French, brian.french@pwgsc.gc.ca-) A wealth of information A wedge of geese (flying in a "V", -TR1-) A wedge of swans (flying in a "V", -TR1-) A whale of surfers (-suggested by RP4-) A whistle of modems (-suggested by Jerry Pournelle in a BYTE article-) A whored of prostitutes (-suggested by Phillip Blackerby, phillip@perfstrat.com-) A wiggle of Elvis impersonators (-suggested by RP4-) A wing of (fighter) aircraft (-submitted by Jason Harris, harrij1@weiss.che.utexas.edu-)

A wisdom of grandparents (-suggested by Jim Ahlberg, ahlberg@ns.rochelle.net-) A wisdom of owls (-thanks to Diane L. Gottheiner, diane.gottheiner@sap-ag.de-) A wisp of snipe A wolfpack of submarines (-submitted by ojo6-) A wriggle of worms (-suggested by Norman Peters, npeters@mail.act.apana.org.au-) A wonder of stars (-suggested by RP4-) A yoke of pilots (-suggested by R. & K. Mendell, infoman@gte.net-) A yoke of oxen

COLLECTIVE NOUNS
PEOPLE an army of soldiers a bevy of beauties/girls a band of musicians a band of robbers a board of directors a body of men a bunch of crooks a caravan of gypsies a choir of singers a class of pupils a class of students a company of actors a company of soldiers a congregation of worshippers a crew of sailors a crowd of spectators a crowd of people a dynasty of kings a galaxy of beautiful women a galaxy of film stars a gang of crooks a gang of labourers a gang of prisoners a gang of robbers a gang of thieves a horde of savages a host of angels a line of kings/rulers a mob of rioters a group of dancers a group of singers a pack of rascals a pack of thieves a party of friends a patrol of policemen a posse of policemen a regiment of soldiers a staff of employees a staff of servants a staff of teachers a team of players a tribe of natives a troop of scouts a troupe of artistes a troupe of dancers a troupe of performers a party of friends

THINGS

an album of autographs an album of photographs an album of stamps an anthology of poems an archipelago of islands a bale of cotton a basket of fruit a batch of bread a battery of guns a block of flats a book of exercises a book of notes a bouquet of flowers a bowl of rice a bunch of bananas a bunch of flowers a bunch of grapes a bunch of keys a bundle of rags/old clothes a bundle of firewood/sticks a bundle of hay a catalogue of prices/goods a chain of mountains a chest of drawers a cluster of coconuts a cluster of grapes a cloud of dust a clump of bushes a clump of trees a collection of coins a collection of curiosities a collection of pictures a collection of relics a collection of stamps a column of smoke a comb of bananas a compendium of games a constellation of stars a cluster of diamonds a cluster of stars a clutch of eggs a crate of fruit a crop of apples a fall of rain a fall of snow a fleet of motor-cars/taxis a fleet of ships a flight of aeroplanes

a hail of bullets a hand of bananas (each a finger) a harvest of wheat/corn a heap of rubbish a heap of ruins a hedge of bushes a heap of stones a layer of soil/dirt a library of books a line of cars a list of names a mass of ruins/hair a necklace of pearls an outfit of clothes an orchard of fruit trees a pack of cards a pack of lies a packet of cigarettes a packet of letters a pair of shoes a pencil of rays a quiver of arrows a range of hills a range of mountains a ream of paper a reel of thread/film a roll of film/cloth a rope of pearls a row of houses a series of events a set of china a set of clubs a set of tools a sheaf of arrows a sheaf of corn a sheaf of grain a sheaf of papers a sheaf of wheat a shower of blows a shower of rain a stack of arms a stack of corn a stack of hay a stack of timber a stack of wood a stock of wood a string of beads a string of pearls

a flight of steps a forest of trees a galaxy of stars a garland of flowers a glossary of difficult words/phrases a group of islands a grove of trees

a suit of clothes a suite of furniture a suite of rooms a tuft of grass a tuft of hair a wad of currency/notes a wreath of flowers

ANIMALS an army of ants a bevy of quail a brood/flock of chickens a catch of fish a cloud of flies a cloud of insects a cloud of locusts a colony of gulls a drove of cattle a drove of horses a flight of birds a flight of doves a flight of locusts a flight of swallows a flock of birds a flock of geese a flock of sheep a gaggle of geese a haul of fish a herd of buffaloes a herd of cattle a herd of deer a herd of elephants a herd of goats a herd of swine a hive of bees a host of sparrows a kindle of kittens a litter of cubs a litter of piglets a litter of kittens a litter of puppies a menagerie of wild animals a muster of peacocks a nest of ants a nest of mice a nest of rabbits a pack of hounds a pack of wolves a plague of insects a plague of locusts a pride of lions a school of herrings/other small a afish a school of porpoises a school of whales a shoal of fish a skein of wild geese in flight a string of horses a stud of horses a swarm of ants a swarm of bees a swarm of insects a swarm of locusts a team of horses a team of oxen a train of camels a tribe of goats a troop of lions a troop of monkeys a zoo of wild animals