Flocking can mean two different things: in materials, it’s the process of applying tiny fibers to a surface to create a soft, velvet-like texture. In biology, it refers to animals moving together as a group, like birds flocking or fish schooling.

Material meaning

  • A surface is coated with adhesive.
  • Fine fibers are applied, often using an electric field.
  • The result is a textured finish that can improve look, grip, insulation, or reduce reflectivity.

Animal meaning

  • Birds, sheep, goats, and some other animals move in coordinated groups.
  • The behavior is often explained as an emergent pattern from simple local rules, not a central leader.

Quick scoop

If you meant the common everyday usage, people usually mean the animal behavior. If you meant crafts or manufacturing, they mean the surface-texture process.

TL;DR: Flocking usually means either group movement in animals or a fabric-like surface coating process.