flotilla
noun
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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
Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Behind them, a flotilla of other boats, kayaks and canoes, some sporting tribal or national flags, followed in support and celebration.
—Debra Utacia Krol, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
The flotilla is set to stop at Tunis, Tunisia’s capital, to join other boats on its journey to Gaza.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
Thunberg’s second attempt at leading a flotilla comes amid the ongoing war in Gaza City that has killed more than 63,000 people, according to the Hamas-run, Gaza ministry of health.
—Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for flotilla
Cite this Entry
“Flotilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flotilla. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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flotilla
noun
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