congregation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The act of congregating or collecting together.
2. (countable, uncountable)A gathering of faithful in a temple, church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship. It can also refer to the people who are present at a devotional service in the building, particularly in contrast to the pastor, minister, imam, rabbi etc. and/or choir, who may be seated apart from the general congregation or lead the service (notably in responsory form).

   “The critically low level of rainfall in the second half of 2020 – approaching 50% year on year for November – led the religious affairs directorate to instruct imams and their congregations to pray for rain last month.”

   “In Hebrew, bonai shalom means “builders of peace,” and the congregation welcomes both Jews and non-Jews to participate in all aspects of the community.”

3. (countable, uncountable)A Roman Congregation, a main department of the Vatican administration of the Catholic Church.
4. (countable, uncountable)A corporate body whose members gather for worship, or the members of such a body.
5. (countable, uncountable)Any large gathering of people.

   “During the wedding ( usually held on a Saturday ) , you and your committee sit on " facing benches ” before the rest of the congregation ( your guests ) . Everyone worships silently until you two feel that it's time to say your vows .”

6. (countable, uncountable)A flock of various birds, such as plovers or eagles.

   “"Oh! I wasted most of my morning crawling to a murmuration of starlings, which I foolishly mistook for congregation of plover."”

7. (UK, countable, uncountable)The main body of university staff, comprising academics, administrative staff, heads of colleges, etc.