merry gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merry gathering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a joyful or festive meeting or assembly of people, often during a holiday or celebration. Example: "The family held a merry gathering to celebrate the holiday season, filled with laughter and joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The "merry gathering of country folk" described in the third movement could have been taking place in rural Russia, with heavy-footed peasant dancing that was more earthy than merry.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The more, the merrier!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's a huge sociable affair which takes place across the country with families, friends and colleagues, equipped with picnic boxes and blankets, gathering together under cherry blossom trees to eat, drink and be merry.

The Times

This week, presidents and ministers and a host of assorted bigwigs are gathering in Johannesburg's Sandton Convention Centre to eat, drink and be merry - and, if we're lucky, to put some of this continent's many wrongs to rights.

Huffington Post

A storm is gathering.

The New York Times

The hats were gathering.

The New Yorker

I was gathering experience.

The New Yorker

My Daughters gathering.

Los Angeles Times

Merry merry.

Vice

No waltz could have been merrier than the weekend gathering in November , 1923 at Cherkley Court, a resplendent country house, in Surrey.

The New Yorker

Merry gentlemen and merry gentlewomen should go to The Harlequin on Wednesday 14 December, where there will be a gathering around the piano to belt out an evening of yuletide favourites.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merry gathering" to evoke a sense of joyful and festive coming together, typically associated with holidays or special occasions. It suggests a lighthearted and cheerful atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "merry gathering" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can sound too informal. Opt for alternatives like "joyful assembly" or "festive meeting" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merry gathering" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a specific type of event or occasion marked by joy and festivity. As seen in the example provided by Ludwig, it describes a "merry gathering of country folk."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "merry gathering" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that evokes a sense of joyful celebration. While Ludwig confirms its usability, it's relatively rare, appearing mostly in news and media contexts. It's best suited for neutral to informal settings, conveying a tone of festivity and togetherness. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "joyful assembly" may be more appropriate. Remember to use it when you want to paint a picture of a happy and cheerful event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joyful assembly

Focuses on the happiness and formality of the gathering, rather than the celebratory atmosphere.

festive get-together

Emphasizes the celebratory and social aspect of the gathering.

happy celebration

Highlights the happiness inherent in the celebratory event.

gleeful party

Conveys a sense of exuberance and high spirits.

jovial reunion

Highlights the cheerful and friendly aspect of a reunion.

cheerful convocation

More formal term, suggesting a cheerful assembly.

spirited festivity

Emphasizes the lively and energetic nature of the celebration.

blissful soiree

Suggests an elegant and joyful evening gathering.

delightful assemblage

A more formal term that indicates a charming and pleasing gathering.

exuberant jamboree

Highlights a boisterous and high-spirited celebration.

FAQs

How can I use "merry gathering" in a sentence?

You can use "merry gathering" to describe a joyful or festive meeting. For instance, "The family held a merry gathering to celebrate the holiday season".

What are some synonyms for "merry gathering"?

Alternatives include "joyful assembly", "festive get-together", or "happy celebration".

Is "merry gathering" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "merry gathering" is more suitable for informal contexts. Consider using "joyful assembly" or "festive meeting" for formal writing.

What is the tone conveyed by the phrase "merry gathering"?

"Merry gathering" conveys a tone of joy, festivity, and lightheartedness, making it ideal for describing celebrations and holidays.