A collective noun is a descriptive way of saying 'lots of...' (Avoid saying 'lots of' as this is slang.)
We may use the collective noun without the noun to which it refers:
The Staff (of teachers) was unanimous in its decision.
Many accepted lists of collective nouns are available, but it is exciting to try to create your own. These will not be found in books e.g. a chatter of staff members, a bumble of bees, a waddle of ducks.
