'congregation' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'congregatio,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'gregare' meant 'to gather.'

'congregatio' transformed into the Old French word 'congregacion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'congregation' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a gathering together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a group assembled for worship or a collection of people or things.'