Definition

1. Noun:
   • A group of birds, especially when gathered closely together: This meaning specifically refers to a flock of birds, often of the same kind, collected in one place, typically on the ground or water.
   • A large group or collection of people, especially of a particular type: This meaning describes a sizable, often lively, gathering of people, frequently used to refer to a group of women or girls.

Examples of Usage

• Referring to birds:

  • A bevy of quail scurried across the path.
  • We watched a bevy of swans gliding on the lake.

• Referring to people:

  • The actor was followed by a bevy of enthusiastic fans.
  • A bevy of reporters waited outside the courthouse.

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a slightly poetic or vivid connotation, making it more descriptive than simple words like "group" or "crowd."
• When used for people, it can sometimes imply a sense of liveliness, attractiveness, or a shared characteristic among the group members.

Variants and Related Words

• Flock (n): A more general term for a group of birds or animals, or sometimes people.
• Gaggle (n): Specifically a flock of geese, or informally a disorderly group of people.
• Covey (n): A small flock of birds, especially partridges or quail.

Synonyms

• Group: A general term for a number of people or things located, gathered, or classed together.
• Assembly: A group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose.
• Cluster: A group of similar things or people positioned or occurring closely together.

Related Phrases

• A bevy of beauties: A common idiomatic phrase referring to a group of attractive women.
  • The magazine cover featured a bevy of beauties from the latest fashion show.

Noun

1. a flock of birds (especially when gathered close together on the ground)
   • we were visited at breakfast by a bevy of excited ducks
2. a large gathering of people of a particular type
   • he was surrounded by a bevy of beauties in bathing attire
   • a bevy of young beach boys swarmed around him