Mammals
From prides of lions to pods of whales, discover the traditional and whimsical collective nouns for mammals.
A Pod of Dolphins
A group of dolphins is appropriately known as a pod. What Does “A Pod of Dolphins” Mean? “Pod” is by far the most recognized and most accurate collective noun for dolphins, describing the tight-knit social units that form the backbone of dolphin life. Pods are typically built around strong, often long-lasting bonds, and research into … Read more
A Flock of Dolphins
A group of dolphins is appropriately known as a flock. What Does “A Flock of Dolphins” Mean? “Flock” is borrowed straight from bird terminology, and applying it to dolphins highlights something genuinely true about how they move: in tight, coordinated groups, changing direction almost simultaneously in a way that can look remarkably similar to a … Read more
A Herd of Dolphins
A group of dolphins is appropriately known as a herd. What Does “A Herd of Dolphins” Mean? “Herd” is a general, land-animal-derived term applied to dolphins, less commonly used than “pod” but still a recognized way to describe a dolphin group. Its use for a marine mammal is a good reminder of how flexible English … Read more
A Trip of Goats
A group of goats is appropriately known as a trip. What Does “A Trip of Goats” Mean? “Trip” is one of the older, more traditionally documented English collective nouns specific to goats, appearing in historical word lists alongside other now-archaic terms for livestock groups. Unlike some of the more obscure entries on this site, “trip” … Read more