flotilla

noun

flo·til·la flō-ˈti-lə

Synonyms of flotilla next

: a fleet of ships or boats

especially : a navy organizational unit consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships

: 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

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This was the third stop of the Russian flotilla, sent by the country's Pacific Fleet, during its long-distance deployment, which commenced in early October. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 When a flotilla of Russian warships passed close to South Florida’s shores Tuesday on their way to Havana, some Floridians were keeping close track, using services that allow the tracking of ships globally. —

Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024 While we guests have been sleeping and dining on gourmet breakfasts prepared by our respective hosts—thank you, Babi—the entire Yacht Week flotilla has been cruising from Trogir to a secluded cove on the Adriatic Sea with the express purpose of creating Circle Raft. —

Rob Reed, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 The courts have refused because the families of those aboard the Mavi Marmara and the IHH—the group that organized the flotilla and that has been accused of having ties to al Qaeda—have refused to drop them. —

Michael J. Koplow, Foreign Affairs, 29 June 2016 See all Example Sentences for flotilla