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

• 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

Her niece and daughter both studied abroad in South Korea last summer, and her daughter is nearly fluent in the language. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

Much like how product managers and engineers have converged, today’s professionals must be fluent in both domains. —Marco Argenti, Fortune, 3 July 2025

Williams could be seen in the video speaking fluent French to her daughter and guiding her on which color went next. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 2 July 2025

In addition, a report published in 2016 notes that 94% of Latinos under 18 are U.S.-born, and the majority speak fluent English, underscoring that Latinos are not a transient or external group; they are deeply embedded in the American economy, workforce and future. —Ana Valdez, Forbes.com, 1 July 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