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

Surovtsev, who is fluent in English, does not speak or read Ukrainian. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 19 Oct. 2025

Tingler is a fluent Spanish speaker as well. —Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

Although English was the most challenging aspect of her transition, Zewanah eventually became fluent enough to volunteer with RAA herself and later joined the organization part-time as a client coordinator. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025

Until then, the two sides will keep talking past each other, fluent in the language of rivalry but weak in the trust department. —Lizzi C. Lee, Time, 17 Oct. 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