Definition

Noun: 1. A large fleet of warships: Specifically refers to a sizable group of military vessels, particularly naval ships, operating together. 2. Any large group of vehicles or vessels: By extension, can describe a sizable, organized group of ships, aircraft, or other vehicles moving together.

Usage and Examples

• As a large naval fleet:
  • The Spanish Armada was defeated by the English navy in 1588.
  • The country assembled a powerful armada to patrol the contested waters.
• As a large group of vehicles/vessels:
  • An armada of fishing boats set out at dawn.
  • The rescue operation involved an armada of helicopters and boats.

Advanced Usage

• "An armada of...": This common collocation emphasizes the large, impressive, and often organized nature of a group. It can be used metaphorically.
  • The company launched an armada of new products at the trade show.
  • An armada of protesters marched towards the capital.

Variants and Related Words

• Fleet (n): A group of ships, aircraft, or vehicles under one ownership or operation. (A more general and common term than "armada").
• Flotilla (n): A small fleet of ships or boats. (Implies a smaller group than an armada).
• Navy (n): The branch of a nation's armed services that conducts military operations at sea.

Synonyms

• Fleet: A group of ships or vehicles.
• Squadron: A principal division of an armored or cavalry regiment, or a unit of warships.
• Flotilla: A small fleet.

Antonyms

• Single vessel/ship: One boat or ship.
• Handful: A small number.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Like an armada": Used to describe something that approaches or moves in a large, formidable, and organized group.
  • The storm clouds gathered on the horizon like an armada.
  • The delivery trucks arrived at the warehouse like an armada.

Noun

1. a large fleet