Throng

/θrɔːŋ/ noun

Definition

A large crowd of people gathered together, often moving or standing as a group.

Etymology

From Old English 'thrang' meaning 'to crowd or press,' related to Old Norse 'throngr.' The word has always conveyed the sense of people packed tightly together or pushing against each other.

Kelly Says

Medieval writers loved the word 'throng' to describe crowds—Shakespeare used it constantly because it sounds active and dynamic. What's interesting is that 'throng' implies some urgency or energy, whereas 'crowd' is more neutral; a throng feels like it's moving!

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