constellate

/ˈkɑnstəleɪt/

Other forms: constellated; constellating; constellates

To constellate is to gather or cluster together. You might notice that the guests at your party tend to constellate around the snacks.

Constellate is a lovely, literary way to describe anything or anyone forming a cluster. This verb comes from the noun constellation and its Latin roots con-, "together," and stella, "star." Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, and five other bright stars constellate in Orion, the constellation also known as the Hunter. And if you bring your adorable puppy to school, all the dog lovers are definitely going to constellate around you!

Definitions of constellate

1. verb

   form a cluster, as of stars
   type of:

   form

   assume a form or shape
2. verb

   come together as in a cluster or flock
   “The poets constellate in this town every summer”

   synonyms: clump, cluster, flock

   types:

   huddle, huddle together

   crowd or draw together

   bunch, bunch together, bunch up

   form into a bunch

   type of:

   assemble, foregather, forgather, gather, meet

   collect in one place
3. verb

   scatter or intersperse like dots or studs
   “Hills constellated with lights”

   synonyms: dot, stud

   type of:

   continue, cover, extend

   span an interval of distance, space or time