Assemblage vs. assembly

What does assemblage mean?

Assemblage is a noun which means a collection or gathering of things or people.

For example:

·      There seems to be an assemblage of dogs outside the pet store.

What does assembly mean?

Assembly is a noun meaning a group of people gathering together for a common purpose. Assembly can also mean the action of fitting components or parts of something together.

For example:

·      Assembly at this school starts at 9am (gathering of people).

·      The assembly of an IKEA bookcase (fitting components together). 

What’s the difference between assemblage and assembly?

Assemblage tends to be an informal collection while assembly refers to a more formalised group, such as a national assembly or school assembly.

For example:

·      During the national assembly, an assemblage of protesters gathered outside.