flotilla

noun

flo·​til·​la flō-ˈti-lə 

1

: a fleet of ships or boats

especially : a navy organizational unit consisting of two or more squadrons of small warships

2

: an indefinite large number

a flotilla of changes

Did you know?

Flotilla comes from the diminutive form of the Spanish noun flota, meaning "fleet." Flota derives via Old French from Old Norse floti and is related to Old English flota (meaning "ship" or "fleet"), an ancestor to English's float. Much like other words referring to groups of particular things (such as swarm), flotilla has taken on expanded usage to refer simply to a large number of something not necessarily having to do with nautical matters, often with humorous effect (e.g., "a flotilla of rather mature-looking male models" — Jed Perl, The New Republic).

Examples of flotilla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During the unprecedented China's naval circumnavigation of Australia, which took place from mid-February to early March, it was reported that the flotilla, consisting of a destroyer, a frigate, and a replenishment ship, likely deployed with a nuclear-powered submarine. —Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

In the relatively calm, turquoise seas of the Ionian Sea, flotilla yacht charters are great for family and friends seeking easygoing sailing between islands, including Corfu, Lefkas, and Paxos. —Helen Iatrou, AFAR Media, 9 Apr. 2025

Ukraine operates a mixed fleet of drone boats, and an attacking flotilla could include low-cost expendable USVs carrying explosives, others with missiles, and others with torpedoes, while still others might be carriers with FPVs. —David Hambling, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

The Chinese flotilla held a war game off the east coast of Australia in late February, which prompted airlines to divert flights. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, diminutive of flota fleet, from Old French flote, from Old Norse floti; akin to Old English flota ship, fleet — more at float

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flotilla

• axilla
• gorilla
• guerilla
• guerrilla
• manilla
• mantilla
• maxilla
• mesilla
• papilla
• priscilla
• scintilla
• sensilla

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Kids Definition

flotilla

noun

flo·​til·​la flō-ˈtil-ə 

: fleet entry 1 sense 1

especially : a fleet of small ships