Ostentation
noun /ˌɒstənˈteɪʃən/ — A group of peacocks — named for exactly what they're doing.
Definition
The collective noun for a group of peacocks — named after the quality that defines them: ostentatious display, the performance of beauty for an audience.
Beyond the definition
The person who named this was either very literal or very clever. An ostentation of peacocks: a gathering of creatures whose entire identity is display. The collective noun doubles as a personality assessment.
Origin & history
English collective noun tradition. Latin 'ostentatio' — a showing, display — from 'ostentare' (to display). Applied to peacocks, it achieves the rare feat of being both accurate and comic.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
An ostentation of peacocks moved across the garden with the confidence of creatures who know they're magnificent.
She called her book launch 'a small ostentation' — the peacock allusion was deliberate.
The word 'ostentation' is more restrained when applied to people than to peacocks.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Ostentation” when the meaning fits your context: The collective noun for a group of peacocks — named after the quality that defines them: ostentatious display, the performance of beauty for an audience.
Synonyms
parade, display (of peacocks), muster
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Ostentation" mean?
Ostentation is noun meaning: A group of peacocks — named for exactly what they're doing.. The collective noun for a group of peacocks — named after the quality that defines them: ostentatious display, the performance of beauty for an audience.
Where does the word "Ostentation" come from?
English collective noun tradition. Latin 'ostentatio' — a showing, display — from 'ostentare' (to display). Applied to peacocks, it achieves the rare feat of being both accurate and comic.