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REFERENCE

gathering

n.
US //ˈɡæðɝɪŋ// UK //ɡˈæðəɹɪŋ// gath·er·ing
  1. 1 social meeting (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a meeting of people for a specific reason, like a party or a family event.

    a social assembly or meeting of people, often for a specific purpose or occasion.

    Example

    The family gathering at Christmas was the first time they had all been together in years.

    Example

    The annual gathering of shareholders provided a platform for the board to address concerns regarding the recent merger.
  2. 2 collecting things (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of collecting things together, such as information, food, or wood.

    the act or process of collecting or accumulating items, information, or natural resources.

    Example

    The gathering of data for the report took several months of hard work.

    Example

    In many ancient cultures, the gathering of wild grains was a communal activity essential for winter survival.
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  1. 3 medical abscess (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic Technical Medicine

    a painful, swollen area on the body that is filled with fluid.

    a localized collection of pus in a cavity; a suppurating tumor or boil.

    Example

    The old doctor described the painful lump on his arm as a gathering.

    Example

    The patient presented with a significant gathering in the lower jaw, necessitating immediate drainage and antibiotic treatment.

    Usage

    In modern medicine, 'abscess' is preferred; 'gathering' is largely found in older texts or specific dialects.
  2. 4 bookbinding section (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Technical

    a group of pages in a book that are folded and sewn together.

    a set of leaves which are held together by a thread; a section of a book consisting of a folded sheet.

    Example

    The binder checked each gathering to make sure the pages were in the right order.

    Example

    The conservator noted that the third gathering of the manuscript had become detached from the spine due to the degradation of the original adhesive.
Etymology 1

From Middle English gadering, from Old English gaderung (“gathering, assembly”), equivalent to gather + -ing (verbal noun ending).

Etymology 2

From Middle English gaderynge, equivalent to gather + -ing (present participle ending).

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