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

When a flotilla of Russian warships passed close to South Florida’s shores Tuesday on their way to Havana, some Floridians were keeping close track, using services that allow the tracking of ships globally. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024

While we guests have been sleeping and dining on gourmet breakfasts prepared by our respective hosts—thank you, Babi—the entire Yacht Week flotilla has been cruising from Trogir to a secluded cove on the Adriatic Sea with the express purpose of creating Circle Raft. —Rob Reed, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

The courts have refused because the families of those aboard the Mavi Marmara and the IHH—the group that organized the flotilla and that has been accused of having ties to al Qaeda—have refused to drop them. —Michael J. Koplow, Foreign Affairs, 29 June 2016

Our vessel is the longest in the flotilla at 55 feet, and it is truly designed for sailing. —Rob Reed, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

flotilla

noun

flo·​til·​la flō-ˈtil-ə 

: fleet entry 1 sense 1

especially : a fleet of small ships