assemblage

noun

as·​sem·​blage ə-ˈsem-blij 

 for sense 3 also  ˌa-ˌsäm-ˈbläzh

1

: a collection of persons or things : gathering

2

: the act of assembling : the state of being assembled

3

a

: an artistic composition made from scraps, junk, and odds and ends (as of paper, cloth, wood, stone, or metal)

b

: the art of making assemblages

Synonyms

• assembly
• conference
• congregation
• convocation
• gathering
• ingathering
• meeting
• muster

Examples of assemblage in a Sentence

an assemblage of onlookers at the construction site

tried to sort through the assemblage of ripped wrapping paper and boxes for the missing toy

Recent Examples on the Web

Though archaeologists have uncovered indirect signs of the culture’s habits—stone points for hunting and animal bones—drawing conclusions from that assemblage relied on a lot of assumptions. —Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024

One exhibition case highlights his use of unusual materials, from a mohawk hat made with Barbie doll legs to a conceptual assemblage of yellowed book pages. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 17 Oct. 2024

In this assemblage of street addresses throughout New York City, sounds are collected with the intention of making all partners in a grand civic waltz. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024

That admirable assemblage doesn't even mention some of the more famous, anonymous individuals who started the day by greeting kids at Children's Wisconsin hospital in Wauwatosa. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 25 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, going back to Middle French, from assembler "to bring together, assemble" + -age -age

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

assemblage

noun

as·​sem·​blage ə-ˈsem-blij 

 for 3 also  ˌas-ˌäm-ˈbläzh

1

: a collection or gathering of persons or things

2

: the act of assembling

3

: an artistic composition made by putting together scraps or junk