Swarm

/swɔɹm/ · noun

Meaning

A large number of insects, especially when in motion or (for bees) migrating to a new colony..

Definitions by Sense

1. A large number of insects, especially when in motion or (for bees) migrating to a new colony.
2. A mass of people, animals or things in motion or turmoil.
3. (computing) A group of nodes sharing the same torrent in a BitTorrent network.
4. (seismology) A number of small earthquakes (or other seismic events) occurring, with no clear cause, in a specific area within a relatively short space of time.
5. (intransitive) To move as a swarm.
6. (intransitive) To teem, or be overrun with insects, people, etc.
7. (transitive) To fill a place as a swarm.
8. (transitive) To overwhelm as by an opposing army.

Example Sentences

[…] reſtleſs thoughts, that like a deadly ſwarm / Of Hornets arm'd […] ruſh upon me thronging,

a swarm of meteorites

those prodigious swarms that had settled themselves in every part of it [Italy]

Earthquakes were another concern, particularly after swarms were felt in Oklahoma.

There is an hour or two, after the passengers have embarked, which is disquieting and fussy. Mail bags, so I understand, are being put on board. Stewards, carrying cabin trunks, swarm in the corridors.

When I was there, at about 0200 this morning [15 May], hundreds of students had swarmed up the steps of the Great Hall and sat there making political speeches. Troops were moved in, 100 or so filed out of the hall and drove the students back, but they were extremely gentle, saying xiexie, xiexie, thank you, thank you, and the relations seemed to be extremely good; I don't think that there is anything the authorities can do now to get them off even though they have said the square will be closed to pedestrians.

Every place swarming with soldiers.

All is well until Treorchy, where the platform is swamped by teenagers who have been attending an event. Around four dozen unescorted 12 to 16 year-olds swarm aboard and begin to run riot through the train. Their behaviour is appalling and the presence of CCTV no deterrent.

Synonyms for swarm

Antonyms for swarm

Related Words

Word Forms

• swarms
• swarming
• swarmed

Usage Notes

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