fluent

adjective

flu·​ent ˈflü-ənt 

1

a

: capable of flowing : fluid

powered, 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
• silver-tongued
• well-spoken

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

There’s more to it than that, but for gamers who aren’t fluent in the mechanics of battle arena strategy, watching a game of League of Legends — let alone playing one — can often feel confusing and, to some, kind of archaic. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2024

If a child is taught by a bilingual teacher, he and his family benefit because the student is fluent in two languages and the parents understand the curriculum. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 24 June 2024

Babbel is an educational app that helps users to become fluent in another language without stepping foot in a classroom. —Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 15 June 2024

Rubio, the son of working-class Cuban immigrants who speaks fluent Spanish, could be a potent Trump surrogate with Hispanic voters. —Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin fluent-, fluens, present participle of fluere — more at fluid

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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