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 of fluent

• 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

Hicks, who served as a priest in El Salvador and speaks fluent Spanish, also expressed an affinity to Pope Leo. —Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2025

When asked who was fluent in Spanish, a little more than half the class raised their hands. —David Culver, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

As more tech leaders look for AI-fluent candidates, Li looks for candidates that can help realize her company’s mission. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2025

Recognizing that communication is one of the most common challenges in medical tourism, the clinic employs a team of dedicated patient coordinators fluent in English, German, French, and Arabic. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Dec. 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