What Is a Group of Dragons Called? It's Almost Too Obvious

The "correct" terminology can also depend on what the dragons are doing and who's writing the story. Nicole Antonio / DALL-E

Dragons fill stories, games and legends across the world, so it makes sense that people often wonder, "What is a group of dragons called?" Unlike cats or birds, dragons are invented creatures, which gives language a little more freedom.

There is no single official answer. Instead, English offers several standard collective nouns that writers, readers and fans commonly use.

Contents

'Flight' Is the Most Common Term
'Brood' Connects Dragons to Birth and Family
'Weyr' Comes From Fantasy Literature
Other Names You Might Hear
How to Choose the Right Term

'Flight' Is the Most Common Term

A group of dragons is most commonly referred to as a flight. This term focuses on the most obvious shared ability dragons have: flight.

When multiple dragons fly together, their wings beat in rhythm and the group moves as one unit. Flight works whether you are describing young dragons, one dragon joining others, or a massive force preparing for war.

Because of that flexibility, flight has become the common term most people agree on.

'Brood' Connects Dragons to Birth and Family

Another collective noun for a group of dragons is "brood." This word usually appears when dragons are connected by eggs, hatchlings or family bonds.

A brood often includes young dragons and their parent or guardian. You might also hear "clutch" used to describe a specific group of eggs waiting to hatch.

These terms emphasize life cycles rather than movement or combat.

'Weyr' Comes From Fantasy Literature

Some answers come directly from books. In the "Dragonriders of Pern" series by Anne McCaffrey, a group of dragons and their riders is called a weyr.

This term refers not only to the dragons but also to their community, riders and shared living space. "Weyr" shows how fantasy authors invent language to match the world they create.

Other Names You Might Hear

Because dragons are fictional, writers borrow words from real animals or invent new ones. You may hear a group of dragons called:

A hoard, focusing on treasure and territory
A thunder, emphasizing sound and power
A pack or squad, especially in battle scenes
A school or flock, borrowed from birds or fish

None of these are wrong. Context matters more than strict rules.

How to Choose the Right Term

When deciding what a group of dragons is called, think about what you want the reader to feel.

Are the dragons sleeping, flying, guarding eggs, or preparing for catastrophe? The right word helps match sound, imagery, and mood without extra explanation.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.