fleet /fliːt/

Origin

From Old English flēot, derived from Proto-Germanic fleutą meaning "to float"

Part of Speech

• noun
• adjective
• verb

Meanings

As a noun

1. A group of ships, vehicles, or aircraft operating together

   • The naval fleet patrols the coastline.
   • The company has a fleet of delivery trucks.

2. (historical) A creek, inlet, or river

   • The Fleet River in London

As an adjective

1. Swift or rapid in movement; fast
   • The fleet deer escaped the predator.
   • She was fleet of foot in the race.

As a verb

1. To move swiftly; to glide
   • Time fleets by when you're having fun.
   • The clouds fleeted across the sky.

Word Forms

• fleeting (adjective)
• fleetly (adverb)
• fleetness (noun)
• fleeted (past tense)

Synonyms

Noun

• armada
• flotilla
• convoy
• squadron

Adjective

• swift
• quick
• rapid
• nimble
• speedy

Memory Tricks

1. Think of a "fleet" of ships as "floating" together (connects to its Old English origin)
2. Remember the phrase "fleet of foot" - swift like a group of racing ships
3. Associate with "Fleet Street" in London, historically known for fast-moving newspaper business

Common Collocations

• fleet admiral
• fishing fleet
• merchant fleet
• fleet manager
• fleet card