noun

drove

herd, flock, crowd

A drove of cattle was blocking the road.

A drove of cattle was blocking the road.

Tourists arrived in droves to see the festival.

Tourists arrived in droves to see the festival.

((a drove)) ((of animals/people)) a large group of animals or people A drove of cattle was blocking the road.

((in droves)) in large numbers Tourists arrived in droves to see the festival.

Synonyms: herd, flock, crowd, throng

From Old English 'drāf', related to 'drīfan' (to drive). The idea is of 'driving' animals together.

Imagine a farmer 'driving' a 'drove' of sheep. The words are connected. 'Drove' is also the past tense of 'drive'.

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