# massing

/ˈmæsɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈæsɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/massing
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

gather, assemble, congregate, muster

## Antonyms

disperse, scatter

## Usage notes

- The verb is both transitive and intransitive; used with or without a direct object.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.