fluent

adjective

flu·​ent ˈflü-ənt 

1

a

: capable of flowing : fluid

powdered, 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
• vocal
• outspoken

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

The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce has a driving tour map of key historical sites, including the Chilmark library, which was the former home of the person believed to be the last fluent signer of MVSL. —Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 4 Sep. 2025

So, Pham and other youth in the community, who were fluent in English and computer savvy, stepped up to help the older generation. —Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 3 Sep. 2025

Nowadays, and increasingly so, leaders and boards must become fluent in the language and practical aspects of AI. —Adrian Swinscoe, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The professional tennis player could be seen in the video speaking fluent French to her daughter and guiding her on which color came next. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for fluent

• suant
• truant
• confluent
• diluent
• eluent
• pursuant

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