For parents of young learners
Collective nouns for kids
A collective noun is a word for a group of people, animals or things, like a team of players or a herd of cows. Here are 40 common collective nouns for Classes 1 to 5, 10 example sentences and quick ways to practise them aloud.
By the Eloqova team · Updated 14 November 2026
Free printable kit for your child's class: speaking worksheets and a speech planner.Get it freeTip: Say the whole phrase, such as "a flock of sheep", rather than just the collective noun. Children remember phrases more easily than single words.
Collective nouns for animals (15)
| Collective noun | Used for |
|---|---|
| a herd of | cows |
| a flock of | sheep |
| a flock of | birds |
| a pack of | wolves |
| a pride of | lions |
| a school of | fish |
| a swarm of | bees |
| a troop of | monkeys |
| a litter of | puppies |
| a colony of | ants |
| a herd of | elephants |
| a gaggle of | geese |
| a brood of | chicks |
| a pod of | dolphins |
| a murder of | crows |
Collective nouns for people (12)
| Collective noun | Used for |
|---|---|
| a team of | players |
| a class of | students |
| a crew of | sailors |
| an army of | soldiers |
| a band of | musicians |
| a choir of | singers |
| a crowd of | people |
| a panel of | judges |
| an audience of | listeners |
| a staff of | teachers |
| a gang of | thieves |
| a troupe of | dancers |
Collective nouns for things (13)
| Collective noun | Used for |
|---|---|
| a bunch of | grapes |
| a bunch of | keys |
| a bouquet of | flowers |
| a pair of | shoes |
| a fleet of | ships |
| a pile of | books |
| a string of | pearls |
| a range of | mountains |
| a galaxy of | stars |
| a set of | tools |
| a pack of | cards |
| a forest of | trees |
| a bundle of | sticks |
10 example sentences
- A herd of cows is grazing in the field.
- A swarm of bees flew out of the hive.
- A school of fish swam past the boat.
- Our team of players won the match.
- A crowd of people waited for the bus.
- The choir of singers sang the national anthem.
- She bought a bunch of grapes.
- He gave his mother a bouquet of flowers.
- A fleet of ships sailed into the harbour.
- We could see a range of mountains from the train.
How to practise at home
- Say the first half ("a pride of...") and let your child finish it.
- On a walk or drive, spot groups and name them: a flock of birds, a crowd of people.
- Make up a silly sentence using 3 collective nouns.
- Draw a picture for 5 collective nouns and describe each one.
Questions parents ask
What is a collective noun?
A collective noun is a word for a group, such as team, herd, flock or bunch. For example: a team of players, a herd of cows.
What are 10 examples of collective nouns?
A herd of cows, a flock of sheep, a pride of lions, a school of fish, a swarm of bees, a team of players, a crowd of people, a bunch of grapes, a bouquet of flowers and a fleet of ships.
Is a collective noun singular or plural?
In Indian school English, a collective noun is usually treated as singular: "The team is ready." "A herd of cows is grazing."
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