What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
murmuration
Example
The murmuration of starlings was a breathtaking sight. [murmuration: noun]
Example
The birds murmured as they flew in a synchronized pattern. [murmured: verb]
swarm
Example
The bees swarmed around the hive. [swarmed: verb]
Example
A swarm of tourists flooded the streets during the festival. [swarm: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swarm is more commonly used than murmuration in everyday language. Swarm is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while murmuration is less common and typically used in the context of bird watching or nature observation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between murmuration and swarm?
While murmuration is typically associated with a formal and scientific tone, swarm is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.