often attributive
1
: two or more figures forming a complete unit in a composition
went there as a group
2
a
: a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship
a study group
b
: an assemblage of objects regarded as a unit
one of the food groups
c(1)
: a military unit consisting of a headquarters and attached battalions
(2)
: a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than a squadron and lower than a wing
3
a
: an assemblage of related organisms
often used to avoid taxonomic connotations when the kind or degree of relationship is not clearly defined
b(1)
: two or more atoms joined together or sometimes a single atom forming part of a molecule
especially : functional group
a methyl group
(2)
: an assemblage of elements forming one of the vertical columns of the periodic table
c
: a bed or layer of rocks deposited during an era
4
: a mathematical set that is closed under a binary associative operation, contains an identity element, and has an inverse for every element

group

2 of 2

verb

grouped; grouping; groups

transitive verb

1
: to combine in a group
grouped English and Dutch as Germanic languages
2
: to assign to a group : classify
The children were grouped by age.

intransitive verb

1
: to form a group
The students grouped around the table.
2
: to belong to a group
3
: to make groups of closely spaced hits on a target
the gun grouped beautifully R. C. Ruark

Examples of group in a Sentence

Noun It'll be easier if we go there as a group. She presented the idea to the group. We like to let these students work in groups whenever possible.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The groups challenging the firings in court say that was a lie, and Judge Alsup appeared inclined to agree during a court hearing last month. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025 As part of the re-boot, the group has also made some operational changes, shutting its U.S. distribution center, selling its London offices, and reducing headcount and the overall cost base. Samantha Conti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
How to Play Connections In Connections, players must group 16 words into four categories based on their relationships. William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 By weaponizing bias against itself — using prestigious cultural signals to be grouped with the elite — disadvantaged minorities can hack the system and carve out new spaces for themselves. Bethany Thompson, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for group

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

French groupe, from Italian gruppo, by-form of groppo knot, tangle, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German kropf craw — more at crop

First Known Use

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1706, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of group was in 1668

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Group.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/group. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

1
: a number of objects or persons considered as a unit
2
a
: a number of living things having some natural relationship
b
: a combination of atoms commonly found together in a molecule
a methyl group
3
: a small band : combo
a rock group

group

2 of 2 verb
: to arrange or combine in a group
group children by ages

Medical Definition

often attributive
1
: a number of individuals assembled together or having some unifying relationship
2
a
: an assemblage of related organisms
often used to avoid taxonomic connotations when the kind or degree of relationship is not clearly defined
b(1)
: an assemblage of atoms forming part of a molecule
especially : functional group
(2)
: an assemblage of elements forming one of the vertical columns of the periodic table

More from Merriam-Webster on group

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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