First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fleet
verb \ˈflēt\
Definition of FLEET
intransitive verb
1
obsolete : drift
3
[3fleet] : to fly swiftly
transitive verb
: to cause (time) to pass usually quickly or imperceptibly
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Origin of FLEET
Middle English fleten, from Old English flēotan; akin to Old High German fliozzan to float, Old English flōwan to flow
2fleet
noun
: a group of military ships that are controlled by one leader
: all of a country's military ships
: a group of ships or vehicles that move or work together or that are controlled or owned by one company
Full Definition of FLEET
1
: a number of warships under a single command; specifically : an organization of ships and aircraft under the command of a flag officer
2
: group 2a, b; especially : a group (as of ships, planes, or trucks) operated under unified control
See fleet defined for English-language learners
See fleet defined for kids
Origin of FLEET
Middle English flete, from Old English flēot ship, from flēotan
First Known Use: 13th century
3fleet
adjective
: very fast
Full Definition of FLEET
1
: swift in motion : nimble
See fleet defined for English-language learners
Origin of FLEET
probably from 1fleet
First Known Use: circa 1529
Related to FLEET
Synonym Discussion of FLEET
fast, rapid, swift, fleet, quick, speedy, hasty, expeditious mean moving, proceeding, or acting with celerity. fast and rapid are very close in meaning, but fast applies particularly to the thing that moves <fast horses> and rapid to the movement itself <rapid current>. swift suggests great rapidity coupled with ease of movement <returned the ball with one swift stroke>. fleet adds the implication of lightness and nimbleness <fleet runners>. quick suggests promptness and the taking of little time <a quick wit>. speedy implies quickness of successful accomplishment <speedy delivery of mail> and may also suggest unusual velocity. hasty suggests hurry and precipitousness and often connotes carelessness <a hasty inspection>. expeditious suggests efficiency together with rapidity of accomplishment <the expeditious handling of an order>.
FLEET Defined for Kids
1fleet
noun \ˈflēt\
Definition of FLEET for Kids
1
: a group of warships under one commander
2
: a country's navy
3
: a group of ships or vehicles that move together or are owned by one company <a fishing fleet> <a fleet of taxis>
2fleet
adjective
fleet·erfleet·est
Definition of FLEET for Kids
: very swift <a fleet runner>
— fleet·ly adverb <ran fleetly>
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