Word
convoy
Phoneticscon·voy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑnˌvɔɪ/
UK/kˈɒnvɔɪ/
Definitions
01a group of vehicles
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a group of cars, trucks, or ships travelling together, usually for safety or to deliver goods.
n. a group of vehicles or ships moving together for mutual protection or logistical efficiency, often accompanied by an armed escort.
“A long convoy of trucks carrying food and water arrived at the camp this morning.”
“The humanitarian convoy was forced to halt at the border while officials verified the medical supplies and travel permits.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the type of vehicle.
Synonyms
02protection or escort
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of protecting a group as they travel.
n. the act of escorting or accompanying for protection; the state of being under such protection.
“The merchant ships sailed under convoy to avoid any danger from the storm.”
“During the conflict, merchant vessels were required to sail under convoy to mitigate the risk of targeted attacks in international waters.”
Usage
Commonly found in the phrase 'under convoy'.
Synonyms
03to escort
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to travel with a group of vehicles to keep them safe.
v. to accompany a group of vehicles or ships for the purpose of protection. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“Military planes will convoy the transport ships across the ocean.”
“The naval destroyers were assigned to convoy the tankers through the narrow strait, ensuring their safe passage despite the regional tensions.”
Real-World Examples
“Seven World Central Kitchen workers were killed in the Israeli strike on their convoy in 2024.” “UK, Australia and Canada call Israel’s decision not to investigate deadly 2024 strike on a Gaza aid convoy 'shameful'.” “But it later said that account was "mistaken" after a video found on the mobile phone of one of the dead paramedics, Rifaat Radwan, showed the convoy was using its emergency lights.” Etymology
From Middle English, from Old French convoier, another form of conveier, from Vulgar Latin *convio (compare Medieval Latin convio (“to accompany on the way”)), from Latin con- (“together”) + via (“way”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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