fluent

adjective

flu·​ent ˈflü-ənt How to pronounce fluent (audio)
Synonyms of fluent
1
a
: capable of flowing : fluid
powdered, granular, or fluent materials
b
: capable of moving with ease and grace
the fluent body of a dancer
2
a
: capable of using a language easily and accurately
fluent in Spanish
a fluent writer
b
: effortlessly smooth and flowing
a fluent performance
spoke in fluent English
c
: having or showing mastery of a subject or skill
fluent in math
fluently adverb

Synonyms of fluent

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Examples of fluent in a Sentence

a fluent speaker of Chinese a very fluent speaker who always communicates his points well
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In response, leaders have become fluent in a familiar change-management script that directs them to develop and communicate a vision, win the hearts and minds of the employees and gain commitment. — John Radman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Born and raised in Paris’s Chinatown, Zouaghi’s fluent command of Mandarin led him to teach the Chinese language to students in New York City, and eventually London. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 Hannah Arendt arrived in New York in May, 1941, stateless, broke, and far from fluent in English. — David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 By all accounts, Katherine was a formidable presence—intellectually engaged, fluent in multiple languages, a guiding force in her children’s lives—and the painting honors that, depicting her reading rather than posing in decorative idleness. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fluent

Word History

Etymology

Latin fluent-, fluens, present participle of fluere — more at fluid

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluent was in 1585

Rhymes for fluent

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Browse Nearby Words

fluency
fluent
fluently
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Cite this Entry

“Fluent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluent. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fluent

adjective
flu·​ent ˈflü-ənt How to pronounce fluent (audio)
1
: fluid entry 1 sense 1a
2
a
: able to speak easily and smoothly
fluent in Spanish
b
: done in a smooth easy way
fluently adverb
Etymology

from Latin fluent-, fluens, present participle of fluere "to flow" — related to fluid

More from Merriam-Webster on fluent

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fluent

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