flotilla
Translation
flotilla
Examples
A flotilla of small boats sailed into the harbor.
A flotilla of small boats sailed into the harbour.
The naval exercise involved a flotilla of warships.
The naval exercise involved a flotilla of warships.
Grammar Patterns
((a flotilla of sth.)) a group of small ships. A flotilla of small boats sailed into the harbour.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fleet, squadron, armada (though armada is usually larger)
Etymology
From Spanish 'flotilla', which is the diminutive of 'flota' (fleet). It literally means 'a small fleet'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'little fleet'. The '-illa' ending is a diminutive in Spanish, like in 'vanilla' (little pod) or 'guerrilla' (little war).