Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Fleet: meaning, definitions and examples

⛵
Add to dictionary

fleet

 

[fliːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

naval

A fleet is a group of ships sailing together, typically under the command of a single leader. Fleets are commonly used in naval warfare or for commercial shipping purposes.

Synonyms

armada, flotilla, navy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fleet

Use this word to describe a group of ships, vehicles, or aircraft, usually of the same type, that are controlled by a single organization or entity. It is the most general term and often used in commercial, logistical, and military contexts.

  • The company has a fleet of trucks delivering goods nationwide
  • The navy deployed its fleet to the region
armada

This word usually describes a large fleet of warships, often used historically or to emphasize size and strength in a military context. It has a strong connotation and can imply an overwhelming force.

  • The Spanish Armada sailed against England in 1588
  • The fleet of fishing boats looked like an armada as they headed out to sea
flotilla

This term refers to a small group of ships, usually warships, that operate together as a unit. It can be used in both military and civilian contexts but sounds more formal and organized than 'fleet'.

  • A flotilla of small boats accompanied the naval vessel into the harbor
  • The navy dispatched a flotilla of destroyers to patrol the area
navy

This refers specifically to a nation's armed forces that conduct military operations at sea. It is used to denote the entire maritime branch of a country’s military.

  • The Navy is on high alert due to escalating tensions in the region
  • He served in the Navy for over twenty years

Examples of usage

  • The Admiral commanded a fleet of warships during the battle.
  • The merchant fleet transported goods across the sea.
Context #2 | Noun

transport

In the context of transportation, a fleet refers to a group of vehicles owned or operated by a company or organization. Fleets of cars, trucks, or planes are used for various purposes such as delivery, transportation, or rental services.

Synonyms

army, convoy, squadron.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
fleet

Used to describe a group of ships or vehicles, especially when they're part of a nation's military forces or commercial operations.

  • The navy's fleet was ready for deployment
  • The airline's fleet consists of over a hundred aircraft
army

Refers to a large and organized military force that is trained for land warfare. It can also be used informally to describe a large group of people or things.

  • The army marched through the city streets
  • An army of volunteers showed up to help with the cleanup
squadron

Usually refers to a smaller group of military ships, aircraft, or vehicles organized for a specific task or mission. Can also be used in non-military contexts for smaller organized groups.

  • The fighter squadron conducted training exercises
  • The police squadron was dispatched to the scene
convoy

Typically describes a group of vehicles or ships traveling together for mutual support and protection, often in a military or humanitarian context.

  • A convoy of trucks delivered supplies to the remote village
  • The naval convoy was escorted by warships

Examples of usage

  • The taxi company has a fleet of vehicles available for hire.
  • The airline operates a large fleet of aircraft for passenger flights.
Context #3 | Verb

rapid movement

To fleet means to move swiftly or glide along smoothly and rapidly. It can also refer to disappearing or vanishing quickly.

Examples of usage

  • The deer fleet through the forest, graceful and swift.
  • The shadows fleet across the walls as the sun sets.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'fleet' comes from the Old English word 'fleotan', meaning to float or to sail.
  • Originally, it referred to the way ships would move on water, emphasizing speed.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to represent not just movement but a collective group of vessels.

History

  • Historically, fleets have played crucial roles in naval warfare, establishing dominance over seas and trade routes.
  • The Royal Navy, known for its powerful fleets, was instrumental in establishing the British Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Commercial fleets have been essential since ancient times, transporting goods across oceans and fostering trade.

Pop Culture

  • In popular films, naval fleets often signify epic battles and adventures, as seen in the movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.
  • Video games like 'World of Warships' allow players to command their own fleets in strategic naval combat.
  • Fleets of fantasy ships often appear in literature, illustrating exploration and the quest for treasure.

Science

  • In ecology, the term 'fleet' can describe groups of organisms, such as schools of fish that school together for safety.
  • Advancements in maritime technology have allowed for the development of smart fleets, which use data to navigate efficiently.
  • Research on fleet dynamics can also be applicable in transportation networks, optimizing how vehicles move together.

Technology

  • The rise of autonomous vehicles is leading to the concept of fleet automation, where self-driving cars communicate and operate as a unified group.
  • Fleet management software is increasingly important for businesses to track and optimize their vehicle fleets efficiently.
  • Companies are shifting to electric fleets to promote sustainability, reducing carbon footprints while improving cost efficiencies.

Translations

Translations of the word "fleet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 frota

🇮🇳 बेड़ा

🇩🇪 Flotte

🇮🇩 armada

🇺🇦 флот

🇵🇱 flota

🇯🇵 艦隊 (kantai)

🇫🇷 flotte

🇪🇸 flota

🇹🇷 filo

🇰🇷 함대 (hamdae)

🇸🇦 أسطول (usṭūl)

🇨🇿 flotila

🇸🇰 flotila

🇨🇳 舰队 (jiànduì)

🇸🇮 flota

🇮🇸 floti

🇰🇿 флот

🇬🇪 ფლოტი (plot'i)

🇦🇿 dəmiryolu parkı

🇲🇽 flota

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,674, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.