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

In other words, the algorithm is fluent in our moral contradictions. —Arkansas Online, 2 Feb. 2026

Avanzini is of Cuban descent and is fluent in both English and Spanish. —Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Feb. 2026

The chair of the state’s Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling told me that there is exactly one gambling-addiction specialist within state lines who is fluent in Spanish. —Jasper Craven, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Gauff has been using drop shots well so far and will be looking to exploit Svitolina’s forward movement, which is less fluent than her lateral movement. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

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