huddle
n. countablen. a small group of people standing very close together, usually to talk privately or stay warm. You often see this in sports when players gather to plan their next move.
n. a densely packed group of people or animals; in sports, a brief gathering of players to receive instructions or coordinate strategy. Often implies a degree of secrecy or protection from the elements.
The players formed a quick huddle to discuss the next play.
The team gathered in a tight huddle on the sidelines to stay warm during the freezing rain.
In the corner of the room, a small huddle of executives whispered urgently, their body language suggesting a significant shift in the company's direction was imminent.
From Middle English hudelen, alteration (due to hudels, hidels (“hiding place”), see hiddle) of huderen, hoderen (“to cover; press together; huddle”), a frequentative form of Middle English huden, hiden (“to hide”), equivalent to hide + -le and/or hide + -er. Compare Low German huderken (“to brood; coddle; nurse; lull children to sleep”).
Often used with the verb 'to form' or 'to gather in'.