fluent

adjective

flu·​ent ˈflü-ənt 

1

a

: capable of flowing : fluid

powered, granular, or fluent materials

b

: capable of moving with ease and grace

the fluent body of a dancer

2

a

: capable of using a language easily and accurately

fluent in Spanish

a fluent writer

b

: effortlessly smooth and flowing

a fluent performance

spoke in fluent English

c

: having or showing mastery of a subject or skill

fluent in math

fluently adverb

Synonyms

• articulate
• eloquent
• silver-tongued
• well-spoken

Examples of fluent in a Sentence

a fluent speaker of Chinese

a very fluent speaker who always communicates his points well

Recent Examples on the Web

Gomez, who is not fluent in Spanish, speaks and sings Spanish in the musical starring Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón. —Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024

Thanks in part to his fluent English, Favino has also long been the rare Italian actor to appear in Hollywood movies, though the roles were small. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024

Applicants who are fluent in Spanish would be beneficial and are encouraged to apply. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Nov. 2024

Industry professionals are fluent in its secret language, which can include terms such as good deal and very good deal to indicate the range of dollar amounts offered for each book as an advance payment. —Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin fluent-, fluens, present participle of fluere — more at fluid

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

fluent

adjective

flu·​ent ˈflü-ənt 

1

: fluid entry 1 sense 1a

2

a

: able to speak easily and smoothly

fluent in Spanish

b

: done in a smooth easy way

fluently adverb

Etymology

from Latin fluent-, fluens, present participle of fluere "to flow" — related to fluid