Word
massing
Phoneticsmass·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmæsɪŋ/
UK/mˈæsɪŋ/
Definition
v. to come together in a big group, or to bring people or things together in one place. You use it for crowds, soldiers, or clouds gathering in one spot.
v. to assemble or collect into a large body or dense group, especially of people, troops, or things gathering in one area.
Examples
“They are massing chairs in the hall for the concert.”
“Police watched the crowd massing outside the stadium before the gates opened.”
“Satellite images showed troops massing along the border, raising fears that weeks of tension might soon turn into open conflict.”
Examples
simple
“They are massing chairs in the hall for the concert.”
contextual
“Police watched the crowd massing outside the stadium before the gates opened.”
complex
“Satellite images showed troops massing along the border, raising fears that weeks of tension might soon turn into open conflict.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “massing” in context.
Verb
01. clouds mass
“Dark clouds massed overhead before the storm broke.”
noun + verb
02. crowds mass
“Crowds massed in the main square to hear the results.”
noun + verb
03. mass tanks
“They continued to mass tanks outside the capital.”
verb + noun
04. mass troops
“The army began to mass troops along the frontier.”
verb + noun
05. protesters mass
“Protesters massed outside the embassy early this morning.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. large massing
“Satellite photos revealed a large massing of soldiers near the border.”
adj + noun
07. military massing
“The military massing in the north worried neighbouring countries.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. massing of forces
“The massing of forces along the border signalled possible conflict.”
noun + prep + noun
09. clouds are massing overhead
“Black clouds are massing overhead, so take an umbrella.”
10. crowds massed in the square
“Crowds massed in the square to celebrate the victory.”
11. mass forces for an attack
“The general massed forces for an attack at dawn.”
12. mass troops along the border
“The country started to mass troops along the border last week.”
Usage
The verb is both transitive and intransitive; used with or without a direct object.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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