What does "convoy" mean?

1. (a group of vehicles) a group of cars, trucks, or ships travelling together, usually for safety or to deliver goods. 2. (protection or escort) the act of protecting a group as they travel. 3. (to escort) to travel with a group of vehicles to keep them safe.

How do you use "convoy"?

Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by the type of vehicle. Commonly found in the phrase 'under convoy'.

convoy

n. · v.

US //ˈkɑnˌvɔɪ// UK //kˈɒnvɔɪ// con·voy

1 a group of vehicles (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a group of cars, trucks, or ships travelling together, usually for safety or to deliver goods.

a group of vehicles or ships moving together for mutual protection or logistical efficiency, often accompanied by an armed escort.

Example

A long convoy of trucks carrying food and water arrived at the camp this morning.

Example

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.
2 protection or escort (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act of protecting a group as they travel.

the act of escorting or accompanying for protection; the state of being under such protection.

Example

The merchant ships sailed under convoy to avoid any danger from the storm.

Example

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'.

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3 to escort (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to travel with a group of vehicles to keep them safe.

to accompany a group of vehicles or ships for the purpose of protection. Transitive — requires a direct object.

Example

Military planes will convoy the transport ships across the ocean.

Example

The naval destroyers were assigned to convoy the tankers through the narrow strait, ensuring their safe passage despite the regional tensions.

Origin

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”).