fleet

verb

\ˈflēt

fleeted; fleeting; fleets

Definition of fleet

(Entry 1 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 obsolete : drift

2a archaic : flow

b : to fade away : vanish

3 [ ³fleet ] : to fly swiftly clouds fleeting across the sky

transitive verb

: to cause (time) to pass usually quickly or imperceptibly many young gentlemen … fleet the time carelessly— William Shakespeare

fleet

noun

Definition of fleet (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a number of warships under a single command specifically : an organization of ships and aircraft under the command of a flag officer

2 : group sense 2a especially : a group (as of ships, planes, or trucks) operated under unified control

fleet

adjective

Definition of fleet (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : swift in motion : nimble

2 : fleeting

Other Words from fleet Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about fleet

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Choose the Right Synonym for fleet

Adjective

fast, rapid, swift, fleet, quick, speedy, hasty, expeditious mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity. fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves fast horses and rapid to the movement itself. rapid current swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement. returned the ball with one swift stroke fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness. fleet runners quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time. a quick wit speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment speedy delivery of mail and may also suggest unusual velocity. hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness. a hasty inspection expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment. the expeditious handling of an order

Examples of fleet in a Sentence

Noun

He was the commander of the Pacific fleet. The company has a large fleet of delivery trucks.

Adjective

a jewel thief said to be light of heart and fleet of foot

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

In many ways, Ferguson's move for Van Persie broke his tradition of building squads for an extended stay of dominance, rather than a temporary, fleeting one. — SI.com, "Why Manchester United's Potential Signing of Alexis Sanchez Is Not Beneficial in the Long Term," 16 Jan. 2018 Stardom in the music business is fleeting to put it kindly. — The Aegis, "Wishing on a star [Editorial]," 13 July 2018 Sometimes happiness can seem like fleeting moments, but this one has been staying in the same lane for a long time. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, "Blake Shelton Jokingly Calls Himself a Gwen Stefani 'Stalker' After Attending Her First 3 Las Vegas Shows," 3 July 2018 That respect has been hard won, but feels fleeting. — Deirdre Fernandes, BostonGlobe.com, "An education in hope," 7 July 2018 Leaders from both groups cautioned that while the homelessness response cannot slow down amid an ongoing emergency, the way forward was unclear and glimpses of common ground were fleeting. — The Seattle Times, OregonLive.com, "Seattle's head tax repeal leaves homeless crisis unresolved," 12 June 2018 Remembrance of those Washington woes quickly fleeted as the game wore on. — Tyler Horka, SI.com, "Stanley Cup Final: Capitals Dominate in Game 3 Win Against Golden Knights," 2 June 2018 The film also isn’t concerned with his flaws, spending only fleeting moments on his ego and unkindness and choosing to focus almost entirely on his saintly qualities. — Kimber Myers, latimes.com, "'Christian Audigier the Vif' doc on late fashion designer goes long on style, skimps on substance," 21 June 2018 The 6-foot-5 lefty had shown glimpses of greatness the previous two seasons by using his long limbs to hit the upper 80s with his fastball despite fleeting command. — Rich Mayor, chicagotribune.com, "Maine East lefty Antoine Kelly embraces 'potential' after being drafted by San Diego Padres," 21 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Japan's fleet of fighter jets is a pillar of the country's defense. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Now Northrop Grumman Wants to Build Japan's New Fighter Jet," 9 July 2018 The Dash 8 fleet has been Piedmont’s pride and joy since the first Dash was delivered to company headquarters in Salisbury on April 4, 1985. — Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY, "End of an era: American ends turboprop flying with Dash 8 retirement," 9 July 2018 Scott told the Budget Committee Wednesday that the police department’s vehicle fleet was in bad shape, and in need of replacement vehicles. — Dominic Fracassa, SFChronicle.com, "SF Police Department likely to get additional officers mayor had sought," 27 June 2018 Caveats: Qatar’s long-haul fleet is somewhat inconsistent, so double check the type of aircraft and the seat map on your flight to make sure the plane features the new suites. 2. — Fortune, "How to Fly the World’s Best Business Class for Less Than Coach," 26 June 2018 In 2012, Israel ordered its sixth submarine from the company, over the objections of generals who said the existing fleet was sufficient. — Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg.com, "Benjamin Netanyahu Could Be Heading for a Fifth Term. Or to Court," 14 June 2018 The current fleet of 273 ships is the smallest since 1916. — Rob Taylor, WSJ, "Defense Firms Vie to Build New Pacific Fleets," 10 June 2018 What’s the backstory of that precious fuel that the Resistance fleet is running out of in The Last Jedi? — Dan Gvozden, The Hollywood Reporter, "74 'Star Wars' Questions 'Solo' Insisted on Answering," 1 June 2018 Layers'' of the probe will include community meetings, a website with interactive mapping and an analysis to determine how large the fleet and service area should be, the foundation said. — Bob Warren, NOLA.com, "Bike share idea in St. Tammany Parish takes another step," 15 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

As its fleet ages, RTA seeks federal money for new buses, paratransit vehicles The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has lost out on a nearly $20 million federal grant to help boost its bus fleet, according to the agency's manager, Transdev. — Marie Simoneaux, NOLA.com, "S&WB says drainage system performed 'very well' Saturday, full assessment coming," 14 Apr. 2018 Several girls cross country teams from the area are in the running for regional and state championships but locals are chasing Northern Kentucky's fleetest afoot: St. Henry in Class A, Highlands in Class 2A and Class 3A's Simon Kenton. — Marc Hardin, Cincinnati.com, "St. Henry, Highlands, SK girls cross country the teams to chase in NKY," 25 Aug. 2017 While Onyewu and Elliott aren't the fleetest of foot, both are rarely out of position. — Marc Narducci, Philly.com, "Union's five-game unbeaten surge built on key position changes," 19 May 2017 Yokosuka is one of the most important military ports in the Pacific, home to both the U.S. 7th Fleet and the fleet headquarters of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces, Japan's navy. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Two U.S. Aircraft Carriers Are Now Prowling the Pacific," 17 May 2017 Steve Kudla is probably known as the fleetest flavorist around McCormick and Company after his performance in a 5K race last Saturday. — Bill Blewett, The Aegis, "Steve Kudla loves running and Old Bay," 25 May 2017 In fast and fleet fashion, Pohjonen zipped through the outer movements, producing a good deal of color and subtly underlining the score's jazz elements. — Tim Smith, baltimoresun.com, "Atmosphere, virtuosity in BSO program with Markus Stenz, Juho Pohjonen," 5 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fleet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.