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

Now, a far stranger culture has arrived, one that speaks fluent English and thinks in linear algebra, and our preparation consists of prompt tips on LinkedIn and a terms-of-service checkbox nobody reads. — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Bulgari did not need to manufacture a mythology for the moment; its archive was already fluent in one. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 16 July 2026

Some decisions have been debatable, England rarely looked fluent, but Tuchel is a good manager, has embraced the unique challenges of the England job, and there will arguably be no better coach available to lead the team into Euro 2028. — The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Hip-hop is their common language, but Robinson is also fluent in blues and spirituals while Quijada speaks forcefully through Mexican folk rhythms. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 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

• confluent
• diluent
• eluent
• pursuant
• suant
• truant

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