shoal /ʃəʊl $ ʃoʊl/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Sense 1: Language: Old English ; Origin: scolu 'large group' ]
[ Sense 2: Date: 1300-1400 ; Origin: shoal 'not deep' (11-20 centuries) , from Old English sceald ]
1 . a large group of fish swimming together SYN school
shoal of
a shoal of fish
2 . a small hill of sand just below the surface of water that makes it dangerous for boats
• • •
THESAURUS
■ of animals
▪ herd a group of cows, deer, or elephants:
A herd of cows was blocking the road.
▪ team a group of people who work together:
She is being cared for by a team of doctors.
▪ flock a group of sheep or birds:
a flock of seagulls
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The farmer has over 100 sheep in his flock.
▪ pack a group of dogs or wolves:
Some dogs are bred to work in packs.
▪ litter a group of kittens or puppies born at one time to a particular mother:
He was one of a litter of seven puppies.
▪ school/shoal a group of fish or dolphins:
Piranha fish live in shoals in the wild.