What is a large gathering of rats called? - briefly
A large congregation of rats is commonly referred to as a plague. The informal term “swarm” is also used to describe such a gathering.
What is a large gathering of rats called? - in detail
A group of rats is commonly referred to by the collective noun mischief. This term appears in several English dictionaries and is the standard word used by zoologists, pest‑control professionals, and writers when describing a sizable assembly of the animal.
Other collective nouns occasionally encountered include colony, horde, swarm, and nest. Each carries a slightly different nuance:
- Colony – emphasizes a permanent or semi‑permanent settlement, often used in scientific literature for laboratory or wild populations.
- Horde – conveys a large, loosely organized mass, typical in literary descriptions of invasive infestations.
- Swarm – suggests rapid movement or a surge of individuals, suitable for describing sudden outbreaks.
- Nest – refers specifically to the physical structure built by rats for breeding and shelter, not the entire population.
The origin of mischief as a collective noun dates back to the 16th century, when English speakers began assigning whimsical group names to animals (e.g., a “murder” of crows). Over time, the word became entrenched in both colloquial speech and formal texts.
In practical contexts, the term mischief is preferred for reporting infestations, drafting regulations, and communicating with the public. Scientific papers may opt for colony when discussing population dynamics, genetic studies, or controlled experiments. Literary works often use horde or swarm to evoke a sense of menace.
Thus, the accepted collective noun for a large gathering of rats is mischief, with colony, horde, swarm, and nest serving as recognized alternatives depending on the intended emphasis.