flotilla
noun
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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
New York Times, 2 Aug. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for flotilla 
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Cite this Entry
“Flotilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flotilla. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
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flotilla
noun
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