gather

/ˈɡæðər/
noun
  1. A small fold or pleat in fabric, created by pulling threads.
    • She sewed a gather along the edge of the sleeve.
    • The skirt has delicate gathers at the waist.
    • The gathers in the curtain give it a soft, full look.
verb
  1. To come together in one place; to assemble.
    • The students gathered in the auditorium for the assembly.
    • We should gather at the park at noon for the picnic.
    • A crowd gathered to watch the street performer.
  2. To collect or pick up items, often from different places.
    • The farmer gathered the eggs from the chicken coop.
    • She gathered wildflowers from the meadow.
    • He gathered his books and put them in his backpack.
  3. To understand or conclude something from information or evidence.
    • From her tone, I gather that she is not happy with the decision.
    • I gather you've already met my brother.
    • The police gathered from the evidence that the robbery was an inside job.
  4. To bring together or accumulate over time.
    • She gathered enough courage to speak in front of the crowd.
    • Dust had gathered on the old furniture.
    • The storm gathered strength as it moved across the ocean.
  5. To pull fabric into small folds or pleats, as in sewing.
    • You need to gather the material before stitching it to the band.
    • The dress has a gathered waistline.
    • She gathered the curtain fabric to create ruffles.
Antonyms