Definition

Noun: 1. The act of mixing or associating socially with others in a group setting: Refers specifically to the action of people moving among and interacting with various individuals, often at social gatherings, in a casual and informal manner.

Examples

• The conference included several coffee breaks to encourage mingling among the attendees from different companies.
• She felt awkward at the party and avoided the mingling in the main hall.
• All the random mingling and idle talk made him hate literary parties.

Usage Notes

• Mingling is an uncountable noun. You do not say "a mingling" or "minglings." It refers to the general activity or process.
• It is commonly used to describe the social atmosphere or expected behavior at events like parties, receptions, networking functions, and gatherings.
• It often implies moving from one person or small group to another rather than staying with one person for a long time.

Advanced Usage

• To facilitate mingling: To make it easier for people to mix socially.
  • The host organized icebreaker games to facilitate mingling.
• A mingling of [groups/things]: While primarily for people, it can be used metaphorically for a mixing of elements, sounds, or groups.
  • The air was filled with a mingling of exotic spices and street food aromas.

Variants and Related Words

• Mingle (verb): To mix or cause to mix together.
  • The guests began to mingle after the speech.
• Intermingling (noun): A very close mixing or blending together, often implying a deeper integration than "mingling."
  • The intermingling of cultures in the city created a unique cuisine.

Synonyms

• Socializing: The act of participating in social activities.
• Mixing: Associating with others in a group.
• Circulating: Moving around among people at a social event.

Antonyms

• Isolating: Setting apart from others.
• Segregating: Keeping groups of people apart.

Related Phrases

• To mingle with: To move among and talk to (a particular group).
  • The CEO took time to mingle with the interns.

Noun

1. the action of people mingling and coming into contact
   • all the random mingling and idle talk made him hate literary parties