# convoy

/ˈkɑnˌvɔɪ/ (US) · /kˈɒnvɔɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/convoy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a group of vehicles

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. protection or escort

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of protecting a group as they travel.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. to escort

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The food supplies arrived in a large truck convoy.
- A naval convoy protected the merchant ships as they crossed the dangerous stretch of water.
- The humanitarian aid was delivered via a heavily guarded convoy to ensure the supplies reached the remote mountain villages without interference from local militias.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.