Collective Nouns
A Sweep of Goldfish
A group of goldfish is also known as a sweep. A group of goldfish is called a sweep, a term likely inspired by the smooth, flowing way goldfish move together through the water. Goldfish are known for their graceful, sweeping tail fins, especially ornamental varieties like the fantail or veiltail, which trail behind them in … Read more
A Swarm of Shrimp
A group of shrimp is also known as a swarm. A group of shrimp is called a swarm, a term shared with many other small, densely packed marine and insect species. Shrimp are found in oceans, rivers, and lakes worldwide, and many species gather in large, tightly clustered groups, particularly around food-rich areas like coral … Read more
A Flamboyance of Flamingos
A group of flamingos is also known as a flamboyance. A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance, one of the most delightfully fitting collective nouns in the animal kingdom. Flamingos are famous for their vivid pink plumage, dramatic curved necks, and eye-catching, synchronized courtship displays, making “flamboyance” an obvious choice for a term that … Read more
A Kit of Pigeons
A group of pigeons is also known as a kit. A group of pigeons is called a kit, a term that comes specifically from the world of pigeon racing and keeping, rather than describing wild flocks in general. A “kit” traditionally refers to a small, trained group of homing or racing pigeons kept and flown … Read more
A Leash of Tuna
A group of tuna is also known as a leash. A group of tuna is called a leash, an old term traditionally used for a small number of fish, often around three, caught or gathered together. “Leash” has historical roots in hunting and fishing vocabulary, where it referred generally to a set of three animals, … Read more