convoy
KON-voy
/ˈkɒn.vɔɪ/
A group of vehicles or ships traveling together, typically accompanied by protection for safety.
Implies synchronized movement of multiple vehicles carrying valuable cargo or personnel through high-risk terrain.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'convoier', rooted in Latin 'com-' (together) and 'via' (way). It literally means 'to travel along the road together' for mutual safety.
Word relationships
- caravan: Historically associated with desert merchants rather than crisis transport.
- fleet: Refers to a group of ships or vehicles under common ownership, not necessarily moving in a line.
- solitary vehicle: A single isolated vehicle traveling independently.
Commonly confused with
- cortège: A cortège is specifically a solemn procession, often for a funeral.
Word family
- convoying (verb): Escorting or traveling in an organized fleet.
Collocations
- aid convoy
- humanitarian convoy
- armored convoy
- escort a convoy
Idioms & expressions
- travel in convoy
Example sentences
- "An aid convoy carrying emergency medical kits safely crossed the border under police escort." Humanitarian Operations
Memory hook
CONVOY: COmpanions NAVigating the WAY together. Travel together for protection.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a single commuter car driving alone.
Fun facts
- The convoy system was vital during World Wars I and II to protect merchant shipping from submarine attacks.
Explore more words
procession, rendezvous, expedition, convoke, conscript, entourage
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.