The meaning of GATHERING is a coming together of people in a group (as for social, religious, or political purposes) : assembly, meeting. How to use gathering in a sentence. GATHERING definition: 1. a party or a meeting when many people come together as a group: 2. a party or a meeting when…. Learn more. A gathering is a group of people meeting together for a particular purpose. His sardonic manner and good looks helped to make him sought-after at literary gatherings. If there is gathering darkness, the light is gradually decreasing, usually because it is nearly night. The lighthouse beam was quite distinct in the gathering dusk. 3. See also gather an assemblage of people; group or crowd. a collection, assemblage, or compilation of anything. the act of a person or thing that gathers. something that is gathered together. a gather or a series of gathers in cloth. an inflamed and suppurating swelling. A gathering can take various forms, such as a meeting, conference, party, ceremony, or informal get-together. It often involves a group of people who share common interests, goals, or affiliations, and seek to connect, communicate, or collaborate with one another. Definition of gathering noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. A gathering is an event where a group of people come together in a single location for a specific purpose, which could be for a celebration, meeting, social interaction, discussion, mutual activity, to express a collective sentiment or any number of reasons.