family gathering
9
1.0
- noun
- /ˈfæmɪli ˈɡæðərɪŋ/
- Last weekend, we had a family gathering to celebrate Grandma's 80th birthday.
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Watch on YouTubeSo I'm quite quiet at family gatherings, letting the next generation have its say.
- So I'm quite quiet at family gatherings, letting the next generation have its say.
- They may have to be there on holidays, they may have to leave some family gathering because there's an emergency that they have to deal with.
- They have missed weddings, holidays, birthday parties, baby showers and all kinds of other family gatherings.
- Because there are occasions and situations where it's there's expectations around family gatherings.
Examples
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Her five rambunctious older brothers spoiled her rotten and kept things hopping at family gatherings.
Fiction book (2001) -
Sunday breakfasts in the past used to be family gatherings.
Fiction book (1994) -
We're trying to have a nice family gathering, all right?
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Oh, what a lovely family gathering.
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I would see her every six months or so at a family gathering.
Fiction book (1997) -
Besides, I am telling him that we are having a quiet little family gathering.
Fiction book (1992) -
Holidays are often times for family gatherings, but this one was very different.
Fiction book (2001) -
The holidays are fast approaching and that means family gatherings and parties with friends.
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I sang Hebrew songs at family gatherings.
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In our family gatherings, the three of us often reenacted myths for the family.
Fiction book (1997)
Synonyms
∞
1.0
An event where people meet to celebrate, eat, and have fun
163
1.0
A meeting of people for a social or special purpose
49
1.1
A gathering of family members to celebrate and reconnect
42
1.9
A small informal meeting for people to talk and spend time together
22
1.9
A gathering where people meet to talk and enjoy themselves
5
2.7
An event where people meet to talk and spend time together
4
2.8
An event where people meet to celebrate or spend time together
How Big
49
1.1
9
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an occasion when members of a family meet' is directly derivable from combining 'family' (people related by blood/marriage) with 'gathering' (a group assembled for a social purpose). This noun+noun composition is compositional and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Family gathering comes from the image of a family coming together to gather around food or in a home for a special day. That's why it means 'an occasion when members of a family meet', usually for a social event or celebration.