Hoard vs. Horde: Collection or Crowd?

The Difference

• Hoard = a hidden stockpile of valuable items; to accumulate and store
• Horde = a large group of people; a swarm

Using Hoard

“Hoard” refers to accumulating or storing things:

As a noun:

• “The archaeologists discovered a hoard of gold coins.” ✓
• “She kept a hoard of chocolate in her desk.” ✓
• “The dragon guarded its hoard of treasure.” ✓

As a verb:

• “People began to hoard supplies during the shortage.” ✓
• “He tends to hoard old newspapers.” ✓

Using Horde

“Horde” refers to a large, often unruly group:

• “A horde of fans rushed the stage.” ✓
• “Hordes of tourists flooded the city.” ✓
• “The Mongol hordes swept across Asia.” ✓
• “A horde of children descended on the playground.” ✓

Memory Trick

• Hoard = think “board” (you board things up to hide them)
• Horde = think “herd” (a group moving together)

Common Error

• “Hoards of people attended the concert.” ✗ → “Hordes of people attended the concert.” ✓

People come in hordes; treasure comes in hoards.