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

According to Holly, Robbie has been spending his time there becoming fluent in the language, working and performing. —Alex Gurley, People.com, 4 Jan. 2025

Since many trainees aren’t fluent in English, part of the training involves taking English classes to become more proficient in the language. —Gary Stern, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025

Haddon was born and raised in Montreal, and spoke fluent English and French. —Caroline Frost, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2024

With an order spanning 20-22 episodes a year, our cast and crew are fluent in the unique challenges of filming a nine- to 10-month shooting season — one of the longest in television production. —Diane Farr, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 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