flotilla

noun

flo·​til·​la flō-ˈti-lə How to pronounce flotilla (audio)
1
: a fleet of ships or boats
especially : a navy organizational unit consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships
2
: an indefinite large number
a flotilla of changes

Did you know?

Flotilla comes from the diminutive form of the Spanish noun flota, meaning "fleet." Flota derives via Old French from Old Norse floti and is related to Old English flota (meaning "ship" or "fleet"), an ancestor to English's float. Much like other words referring to groups of particular things (such as swarm), flotilla has taken on expanded usage to refer simply to a large number of something not necessarily having to do with nautical matters, often with humorous effect (e.g., "a flotilla of rather mature-looking male models" — Jed Perl, The New Republic).

Examples of flotilla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then, there is the growing flotilla of Republican lawsuits challenging the state’s voting process. The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024 Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection Part of Auberge Resorts Collection since 2020, this landmark resort on the Kohala Coast has more than 300 stylish rooms and suites, three pools, and a Goop store, alongside a flotilla of family-friendly amenities and activities. Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024 The city did not disappoint, with fans and photographers crowding the Grand Canal — on which the wedding party commuted throughout the weekend aboard a flotilla of classic wooden water taxis — for a glimpse of the dolce vita pageantry. Elizabeth Leonard, People.com, 27 Sep. 2024 The opening ceremony flotilla docked, the athletes — and Celine Dion — dried off from the rain and the Games began. New York Times, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flotilla 

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, diminutive of flota fleet, from Old French flote, from Old Norse floti; akin to Old English flota ship, fleet — more at float

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flotilla was in 1711

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Dictionary Entries Near flotilla

Cite this Entry

“Flotilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flotilla. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

flotilla

noun
flo·​til·​la flō-ˈtil-ə How to pronounce flotilla (audio)
: fleet entry 1 sense 1
especially : a fleet of small ships

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