convoy
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for convoy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A group of vehicles or ships travelling together, often with an armed escort for protection.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use convoy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French convoier, ultimately from Latin via, "way" — the same root as "convey."
Full origin of convoy →Frequently asked questions
What does “convoy” mean?
The word “convoy” means a group of vehicles or ships travelling together, often with an armed escort for protection. In plain terms, a group travelling together, usually vehicles or ships, often for safety.
How do you pronounce “convoy”?
“Convoy” is pronounced KON-voy (/ˈkɒn.vɔɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “convoy” in a sentence?
Here is “convoy” used in a sentence: “A convoy of army trucks moved slowly through the town.”
What part of speech is “convoy”?
Depending on how it is used, “convoy” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “convoy” come from?
The word “convoy” comes from Latin. From Old French convoier, ultimately from Latin via, "way" — the same root as "convey.".
Is “convoy” a common word?
“Convoy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “convoy” have?
“Convoy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a group of vehicles or ships travelling together, often with an armed escort for protection.
What is the difference between a convoy and a caravan?
A convoy typically refers to a group of vehicles or ships traveling together, often with an armed escort for protection, and is commonly used in military or logistical contexts. A caravan usually describes a group of vehicles or travelers moving together for company or safety, without necessarily implying armed protection.
Is convoy only used for military vehicles?
No, convoy is used for any group of vehicles or ships traveling together for safety or coordination, including humanitarian aid convoys, trucking convoys, and shipping convoys, in addition to military ones. The defining feature is the group traveling together, often with some form of escort or protection.
Can convoy be used as a verb?
Yes, as a verb convoy means to travel together as a group, or to escort a group of vehicles or ships for protection, as in warships convoyed the merchant fleet across the ocean.