Troupes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of performers who collectively present theatrical or musical productions
2. A collection of skilled individuals collaborating in artistic performances often associated with the stage
3. A gathering of entertainers working together to create and perform dramatic works or other artistic displays

Etymology: "Troupes" is simply the plural of "troupe", so the real story belongs to the singular. English borrowed "troupe" directly from French, where it means a band or company of people, and it was first recorded in 1825. The French word is closely related to "troop", the two being doublets: they descend from the same source but entered English by different routes, one through French and one through an older channel. Since the borrowing is unadapted, the word kept its French spelling and its pronunciation, which is why it looks so unlike its English cousin. The English "troop" dates from much earlier and covers soldiers and groups of animals as well as performers, while "troupe" stayed narrower, reserved for companies of actors, dancers, or musicians. That specialization gave the borrowed word a theatrical flavour that its plain English relative never acquired.

Synonyms: groups, teams, ensembles, companies, bands