Spanish Armada

noun

1. the great fleet sent by Philip II of Spain against England in 1588: defeated in the Channel by the English fleets and almost completely destroyed by storms off the Hebrides Also calledthe Armada

Armada, Spanish

1. A fleet of more than a hundred ships sent by King Philip II of Spain to conquer England in 1588. Although called the “Invincible Armada,” it was destroyed by a combination of English seamanship, Dutch reinforcements, and bad weather . Several thousand Spaniards were killed, and about half the Spanish ships were lost.

Notes

The defeat of the Armada was a sharp blow to the influence and prestige of Spain in the world and was an important step in England's ascent to power.

Example Sentences

Centuries later the Elizabethans and Jacobeans thought of Sluys as a historical precursor to the Spanish Armada.

From The Daily Beast

This patriotic sentiment would seem to show that the book was written or published about the time of the Spanish Armada.

From Project Gutenberg

Before the time agreed on had arrived, the Spanish Armada had sailed from the Tagus.

From Project Gutenberg

Before long news came that the Spanish Armada was approaching the coast.

From Project Gutenberg

He sent upstream and brought down a whole Spanish Armada of clumsy scows, each heaped high with sticky clay.

From Project Gutenberg

It is doubtful if it is generally known that this relic of the Spanish Armada is in existence.

From Project Gutenberg