What is a group of witches called?

A group of witches is commonly called a coven. The word usually describes an organized gathering of people practicing witchcraft, especially in modern Wiccan and other contemporary pagan traditions.

In Wicca, a coven may meet for rituals, seasonal celebrations, study and magical practice. Its members may be led by a high priestess, a high priest or another agreed leadership structure. The size and organization of a coven can vary considerably, so there is no universal membership number.

The term has a complicated history. It is related to older words for an assembly or meeting, including Anglo-Norman and Old French forms connected with “convent.” The idea that witches traditionally met in groups of exactly thirteen was popularized in the early 20th century, but that number is not a universal rule.

“Coven” is also used in popular culture for fictional groups of witches, including the witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the television series American Horror Story: Coven. In everyday quiz usage, however, “coven” is the standard collective noun.