ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gaggle

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɡæɡəɫ// UK //ɡˈæɡəl// gag·gle Archaic

n. a group of people who are talking too much or being too loud. It is often used to describe a crowd of people who are being annoying or silly.

n. a group of people, typically characterized by excessive noise or foolishness. Often carries a derogatory or dismissive tone, implying a lack of sophistication or decorum.


SIMPLE

A gaggle of tourists blocked the narrow street.

CONTEXTUAL

The reporter was ignored by a gaggle of photographers waiting outside the courthouse.

COMPLEX

The politician's speech was drowned out by the constant chatter of a gaggle of supporters who had gathered in the front row.

Origin

From Middle English gagelen (“to cackle; cackle like a goose”). Compare Dutch gaggelen (“to cackle”), Icelandic gagl (“small goose; gosling”), Norwegian Nynorsk gagl (“wild goose”).

© 2026 English Reference