flotilla

American  

[floh-til-uh] / floʊˈtɪl ə /

noun

1. a group of small naval vessels, especially a naval unit containing two or more squadrons.

2. a group moving together.

   The governor was followed by a whole flotilla of reporters.

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flotilla British  

/ fləˈtɪlə /

noun

1. a small fleet or a fleet of small vessels

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Etymology

Origin of flotilla

1705–15; < Spanish, diminutive of flota fleet < French flotte < Old English flota

Example Sentences

The U.S. has moved new military aircraft and units into the region in recent days, which join a flotilla of 11 Navy warships and other assets in the Caribbean.

From The Wall Street Journal

Navy flotilla in the Caribbean, which has already seized one vessel last week.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S.’s most advanced aircraft carrier is in the region, along with a flotilla of warships and a force of Marines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Armed agents have sauntered through downtown and manned a flotilla of boats on the Chicago River.

From Los Angeles Times

The country is not facing flotillas of small boats arriving from the North Sea or the Baltic.

From BBC

Related Words

• armada
• squadron